The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have adjusted several Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine zones in Texas following progress in eradication efforts.
Donna quarantine removed
On September 10, the agencies reduced the Donna Mexfly quarantine in Hidalgo County by 171 square kilometres, releasing approximately 382 hectares of commercial citrus. The amended quarantine then covered 184 square kilometres and included 132 hectares of commercial citrus.
On October 9, the Donna quarantine was fully lifted. The area was released from restrictions after three generations of the pest had elapsed since the last detection, as determined through degree-day modelling.
Harlingen quarantine reduced
On September 10, APHIS and TDA also reduced the Harlingen Mexfly quarantine. This action released 75 square kilometres from restrictions, including about 33 hectares of commercial citrus. The amended quarantine area now covers 187 square kilometres, encompassing 326 hectares of citrus production.
Brownsville quarantine removed
On September 23, both agencies lifted the Brownsville Mexfly quarantine, releasing 166 square kilometres from control measures. There was no commercial citrus within this zone. As with other regions, release occurred after three pest generations had elapsed since the last detection, as determined by the degree-day model.
Background on Mexfly
According to APHIS, the Mexican fruit fly was first detected in central Mexico in 1863 and later along the California–Mexico border in the early 1950s. The pest remains a threat to Texas citrus and other fruit crops due to its broad host range and potential for rapid spread.
Current descriptions and maps of Mexfly quarantine areas, as well as other federal fruit fly quarantines, are available on the APHIS exotic fruit flies website. The agency also publishes updates on all quarantine modifications in the Federal Register.
Source: Citrus Industry
