Brownsville CBP Agriculture Specialists Intercept First in Nation Pest in Spanish Moss

U.S. Customs and protection

BROWNSVILLE – (News Release) Agriculture Specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Gateway International Bridge intercepted a rare “First in Nation” pest in Spanish moss used to decorate a Christmas nativity stable.

NR Pharypia.nitidiventris.female Courtesy of David McCoy

“CBP agriculture specialists at Brownsville Port of Entry do an outstanding job in safeguarding the agriculture of the nation by preventing the introduction of pests not known to occur in the U.S.  I commend our agriculture specialists for another First in Nation pest interception,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.