Country: United States

Title:

Anastrepha ludens (Mexican Fruit Fly; Mexfly): APHIS Amends Quarantine Areas in Texas

Contact:
Catherine Marzolf, National Policy Manager, 386-666-9932 or catherine.a.marzolf@usda.gov

Report:

On August 22, APHIS and TDA reduced the Brownsville quarantine by 67 square miles, including 103 acres of commercial citrus, after three generations elapsed since the date of the last Mexfly detection in that portion, based on a degree-day model. The amended quarantine encompasses 64 square miles and does not include any commercial citrus.

On September 2, APHIS and TDA removed the Edinburg quarantine. This action released 69 square miles from quarantine, including 449 acres of commercial citrus. Release from quarantine occurred after three generations elapsed since the date of the last detection, based on a degree-day model.

APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles to prevent the spread of Mexfly to non-infested areas of the United States, as well as to prevent the entry of these fruit flies into foreign trade. APHIS is working with TDA to eradicate transient Mexfly populations following program guidelines for survey, treatment, and regulatory actions.

The APHIS exotic fruit flies website contains descriptions and maps of the Mexfly quarantine areas and all current Federal fruit fly quarantine areas. APHIS will publish a notice of these changes in the Federal Register.

Under IPPC standards, Anastrepha ludens is a transient pest under eradication that is present only in some areas in Texas. This species is not widely distributed and is under official control in the United States.

Posted Date: Sept. 15, 2025, 4:27 p.m.