To reduce the risk of spreading the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Citrus Greening, to other states, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) quarantined the entire state of Texas for ACP on January 28, 2009.

USDA took this step as a precaution because ACP is the most effective vector of a very dangerous disease of the citrus crops, citrus greening (also known as huanglongbing, HLB or yellow dragon disease). Citrus greening it is a major problem for Florida citrus and has also been detected in two Louisiana parishes and two groves in Cameron County, Texas. Control of ACP is intended to prevent further introduction and spread of the disease in Texas.

Since a federal quarantine supersedes a state quarantine, TDA rescinded its ACP Quarantine on January 30, 2009, on an emergency basis.

Restrictions

Movement of citrus nursery stock into the quarantined area will be allowed under special permit in order to monitor and track the movement of all citrus plants within the quarantined area.

 As a protection for the citrus industry and as a preventative measure to slow the spread of the disease, mandatory Asian citrus psyllid treatments (in accordance with APHIS guidelines for interstate movement of citrus plants) will be required for all citrus nursery stock production in the citrus zone (Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata). Treatments will be required for movement within and outside of the citrus zone. This measure will be coupled with a statewide coordinated awareness campaign to encourage the same treatments outside of the citrus zone on a voluntary basis.  Note: Treatments are not required at the retail level.

If you intend to ship the ACP host plants to other states, please contact the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at (512) 916-5241 because such movement requires (1) a compliance agreement, (2) prescribed treatments and (3) a Limited Permit.

For contact with United States Department of Agriculture, see Links above.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact PlantQuality@TexasAgriculture.gov or call (512) 463-7660.