Rare pest found in lettuce shipment at California border—a US first

CALEXICO, Calif. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agriculture specialists (CBPAS) intercepted a rare pest while conducting an examination of a lettuce shipment at the Calexico cargo facility in Carifornia. 

The discovery was made on January 8. The shipment contained red and green leaf lettuce that had arrived at the Calexico cargo facility.

During the inspection, a CBP agriculture specialist found an unusual insect within the lettuce leaves.

RELATED: Watch: Emotional reunion as stolen dog returns home after over 7 years

The insect was then submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for further investigation. 

The identification process was finalized on February 5 after inspectors determined the insect was Campiglossa peregrina which is part of the fruit fly family.

The species had not been found in the  USDA pest identification database, making the discovery a first of its kind. 

What they're saying:

"Discovering a first-of-its-kind pest in our nation is a remarkable achievement. Our agriculture specialists’ role will continue to aid in safeguarding our environment and agriculture." Roque Caza, Port Director for the Area Port of Calexico, said in a news release. 

What you can do:

CBP said travelers who wish to bring flowers, plant materials, and other agricultural items should visit the Bringing Agricultural Products into the United States section of CBP’s website for ways to prevent conveyance contamination.