see also: in December 2007 News Releases:   Fugitive with $1 Million Bail Apprehended by CBP   Canada, CBP Team to Arrest U.S. Citizen Wanted for Sex Offense Charges With Child   Calexico, Calif. East Port to Extend Hours New Year’s Eve   Quick Action by Border Patrol Agent Saves Life on Christmas Day   CBP Officers Seize Over Half a Million in Cocaine, Marijuana, and Arrest One at Laredo Port of Entry   CBP Detains Missing Wanted Juvenile at Del Rio Port of Entry   CBP in Laredo, Texas Detains ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ Suspect Wanted on Bank Robbery Charges ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Los Angeles — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialist recently discovered a tiny immigrant insect, embedded in a fresh cut flower shipment. "This is the first time in the Nation, this insect has been seen in this type of flower," stated a U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist.

On Dec. 7, while inspecting Brunia cut flowers imported from South Africa, a CBP agriculture specialist at Los Angeles International Airport observed that the flowers were infested by a destructive plant pest commonly known as Mealy bugs. A sample was collected and sent to USDA entomologists for further identification and analysis.

Officials from the USDA concluded that this particular insect is not native to this country and is the first time it has been identified in this plant life. If these insects enter the United States and become established it could cause significant damage to our agricultural industry. “Agriculture specialists have a critical role in American’s agriculture; they are the first line of defense by preventing the entry of harmful pests and diseases into the United States,” said Kevin W. Weeks, director of Field Operations, Los Angeles.

Mealy bugs feed on plant juices and are destructive especially for greenhouses, ornamental plants, succulents and fruit trees. It is essential that the Mealy bug is killed promptly when discovered. Eradication efforts are not only costly but are also time consuming.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.