CBP Intercepts Rare Pest in Lettuce Shipment at Calexico Cargo Facility
CALEXICO, CA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plant protection specialists at the Calexico port of entry made a significant find earlier this month with the interception of a rarely seen pest within a shipment of lettuce. It was the first time the species had ever been intercepted at a US port of entry.
On January 8th of 2025, a shipment ofgreen and red leaf lettuce was delivered to the Calexico cargo lot to undergo examination. In the course of a standard check, a CBP officer detained the cargo to undergo closer examination. In the course of a thorough agricultural examination by the CBP agriculture specialists, a peculiar insect was concealed inside the lettuce leaves.
The pest was directly submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to have it identified. In the meantime, the shipment was intercepted by CBP officials to avertthe shipment into the U.S., bringing theshipment back to Mexico instead.
On February 5th of 2025, the pest wasrevealed to be the species of the fruit flycalled Campiglossa peregrina. It was the first time the species had appeared on the USDA’s pest database, a testament to the effectiveness of the work of the CBP tokeep out invasive species into the country.
“Discovering a first-in-the-nation pest within the US is a significant achievement,” Roque Caza, the Calexico Area Port of Entry Director, stated. “The efforts of our ag specialists will again work to aid the protection of ag and the environment.” he Continue
CBP urges travelers and importing entities to go ahead with the proper procedures to avert the introduction of invasive species. Importers of plant material are directed tovisit the CBP website to find out about avoiding infestations and are alsocompelled to have all plant materialdeclared upon arrival time. For updates about border protection, ag exams, and trade processing, check with the CBP San Diego Field Office on X at @DFOSanDiegoCA