CALEXICO, CA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists (CBPAS) assigned to the Calexico cargo facility intercepted a rare pest while conducting an examination of a cargo shipment.
On January 8th, 2025, a shipment containing red and green leaf lettuce arrived at the Calexico cargo facility. During an initial inspection of the shipment, a CBP officer referred the driver and cargo for an intensive agriculture inspection.
While inspecting the cargo, a CBP agriculture specialist discovered an unusual insect within the lettuce leaves. The pest was submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for further identification. Using appropriate precautionary measures, CBPASs then returned the shipment and driver to Mexico.
On February 5th, 2025, a final identification of the pest was made as Campiglossa peregrina which is part of the fruit fly family. This species has not been recorded in the USDA pest identification database, qualifying this discovery as a first across all ports in the nation. This find demonstrates CBP’s efforts to prevent invasive species from entering the United States.
“Discovering a first-of-its-kind pest in our nation is a remarkable achievement. Our agriculture specialists’ role will continue to aid in safeguarding our environment and agriculture.” stated Roque Caza Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico.
Travelers and industries who wish to import flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural items should visit the Bringing Agricultural Products into the United States section of CBP’s website for ways to prevent conveyance contamination. CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural items to a CBP officer upon arrival.
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