Between August 22 and September 2, 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) amended the Brownsville Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine in Cameron County and removed the Edinburg Mexfly quarantine in Hidalgo County.
On August 22, APHIS and TDA reduced the Brownsville quarantine area by 67 square miles, including 103 acres (42 ha) of commercial citrus. The change followed three generations without detection of Mexfly in that area, measured by a degree-day model. The amended quarantine now covers 64 square miles and does not include commercial citrus acreage.
On September 2, APHIS and TDA lifted the Edinburg quarantine, releasing 69 square miles from restrictions, including 449 acres (182 ha) of commercial citrus. This release also followed three generations without detection, based on degree-day calculations.
APHIS continues to apply safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles to limit the spread of Mexfly to non-infested regions of the United States and to prevent the pest from affecting international trade. In cooperation with TDA, APHIS is working to eradicate transient Mexfly populations using program guidelines covering survey, treatment, and regulatory actions.
Descriptions and maps of Mexfly quarantine areas and all current federal fruit fly quarantine areas are available on the APHIS exotic fruit flies web page. APHIS will also publish a notice of these changes in the Federal Register.
For more information:
Catherine Marzolf
USDA
Tel: +1 386 666 9932
Email: [email protected]
www.aphis.usda.gov
