Brazil Ministry of Agriculture issues new starfruit fruit fly risk classifications

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has issued a new ordinance establishing phytosanitary risk classifications for the introduction of the starfruit fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae).

Under the new guidelines, states such as Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, and Maranhão are classified as high risk. Piauí, Goiás, and the Federal District are categorized as medium risk. A group of 15 states, including Rio Grande do Norte, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul, are classified as low risk.

Additionally, the ministry has declared eight municipalities in the state of Amazonas—including Manaus, Iranduba, and Itacoatiara—as quarantine areas due to the detection of the pest. Another 54 municipalities in Amazonas have been designated as buffer zones to prevent the spread of the insect to other regions.