USDA expands Florida citrus quarantine

USDA expands Florida citrus quarantine The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Friday expanded the citrus quarantine zone for a dangerous plant pest to include the entire state of Florida, plus some additional states and territories.
   The quarantine prevents live host plants and plant parts from being shipped to other citrus producing states. The ban does not apply to processed citrus products.
   The ban stems from the presence of the pest known as the Asia citrus psyllid (ACP), which causes the spread of citrus greening. The disease is not a threat to humans, but can destroy plants in other citrus producing areas.
   The government last May implemented the quarantine in 28 counties in Florida. The quarantine has now been expanded to include the entire state of Florida, as well as Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and 32 counties in Texas.