Effective November 5, 2020, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) established a Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine in Lasara, Willacy County, Texas. APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area. We are taking this action because on November 5, APHIS confirmed one mated female Mexfly from a trap in a mandarin tree in a residential area. APHIS, in conjunction with TDA, is responding to this confirmed detection with the establishment of a new quarantine area, which encompasses approximately 64 square miles of Lasara, Willacy County. There are 680 acres of commercial citrus within the quarantine area. APHIS is working with TDA to respond to this detection following program survey and treatment protocols. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of Mexfly to non-infested areas of the United States. The following website reflects the establishment of the new quarantine area and a description of all the current Federal fruit fly quarantine areas: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/ff-quarantine For additional information on the Mexfly program, please contact Fruit Fly National Policy Manager, Richard Johnson, at 301-851-2109.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
