Texas

State Plant Health Director

Ruben Guerra, (512) 916-5241
Stuart Kuehn, (512) 916-5241

Directs federal APHIS-PPQ pest detection and regulatory activities in cooperation with state officials, and coordinate the initial PPQ emergency response if an exotic pest is detected in the state.

State Plant Regulatory Official

Awinash Bhatkar, (512) 463-5025

Serves on the National Plant Board, oversees state pest detection and regulatory activities and coordinates survey activities between government agencies, public and private organizations. Coordinates the state’s initial emergency response if an exotic pest is detected.

State Survey Coordinator

Heena Mir, (512) 475-0705
Brent Rougeau, (512) 463-1102

Coordinates CAPS survey planning, execution and reporting as well as community outreach activities.

Pest Survey Specialist

Claire Bressette, (737) 219-9707

Provides technical support in planning, executing and reporting annual surveys and coordinates pest detection activities with neighboring states.

11/2020 - APHIS Removes the Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine Area in Laredo, Webb County, and Zapata, Zapata County, Texas
8/2020 - USDA Seeks Help from Citizens to Collect Unsolicited Seeds Packages
8/2020 - Officials worry mystery seeds from China could be harmful to Indiana crops
8/2020 - Crystal Lake and Watershed Association to go ahead with watermilfoil treatment
8/2020 - USDA Provides List of Locations by State Where Public Can Mail Unsolicited Seed Packages
7/2020 - Unsolicited seeds could wreak havoc on agriculture, environment, state officials warn
8/2020 - APHIS Removes the Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine Area in Lasara, Willacy County, Texas
8/2020 - TO YOUR HEALTH: Do fire ants limit spread of meat allergy?
7/2020 - APHIS adds portions of Cameron County in Texas to the Domestic Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas spp.) Quarantine Area
6/2020 - APHIS Establishes a Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in Zapata, Zapata County, Texas