APHIS Expands Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantine in Maryland

FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION 
DA-2026-43 
October 1, 2026

Subject: APHIS Expands Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantine in Maryland 

To: State, Tribal, and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), is expanding the box tree moth (BTM; Cydalima perspectalis) quarantine in Maryland. The quarantine now includes Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties. APHIS is taking this action because BTM was confirmed in Caroline and Cecil Counties on July 24, 2026, and in Queen Anne’s County on August 7, 2026. This action parallels the MDA’s intrastate quarantine established on August 24, 2026.

APHIS regulates interstate movement of boxwood plants from quarantined areas to prevent the spread of BTM. You may move boxwood plants from quarantined areas only if your establishment has a compliance agreement, and each shipment includes a state-issued certificate showing you meet the requirements in your compliance agreement and Federal Order DA-2026-24. These requirements help ensure boxwood plants can move safely between states. This action is authorized by the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 through 7786). States may have additional requirements.

APHIS prohibits interstate movement of all other regulated articles of boxwood from quarantine areas. This includes plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clipping, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead. These items may only move interstate for decorative uses.

Federal quarantine maps and descriptions are available on the APHIS BTM webpage. APHIS will also publish a notice of this change in the Federal Register.

For additional information you may contact:

Devon Gaydos 
National Policy Manager 
240-457-0297 
devon.gaydos@usda.gov

/s/

Matthew A. Rhoads 
Deputy Administrator 
Plant Protection and Quarantine