The Food and Agriculture Service (FAS) has warned the guidance applies to the USA as well a further 39 countries. 

As the United States is now officially listed as a Zika-infected country due to cases in Florida, exporters shipping to China will have to take extra precautions before shipping to the country. 

China has set disinsection (not to be confused with disinfection) requirements for imports since March this year, which means systems must ensure any potential mosquitoes, larvae or eggs are killed in produce consignments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a full list of infected countries.

To comply, fruit and vegetable exporters won't need a disinsection certificate if the shipment is held below 15°C (59°F), and if the temperature is expected to be higher then treatment can take place by either "physical or chemical means" without the need for fumigation.

If the carrier can provide certification that the entire vessel has undergone the requisite disinsection treatment, then one certificate for the entire vessel is deemed sufficient

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Photo: James Gathany, via Wikimedia Creative Commons

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