Fruit Fly Foes in California Going Down to Defeat
The Oriental fruit fly is a notorious pest that is known to attack more than 300 different fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Contra Costa County, CA, was recently lifted.
Photo courtesy of Pest and Diseases Image Library
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with USDA and the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner, has declared an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine following the eradication of the invasive pest.
The declaration comes nearly 10 months after officials first detected populations of the Oriental fruit fly in the area and established a quarantine encompassing parts of the cities of Brentwood and Oakley, as well as surrounding areas in parts of Antioch, Bethel Island, and Discovery Bay. Less than two weeks ago, CDFA declared the Tau fruit fly eradicated from Los Angeles County.
“We’re pleased to report this is the third Oriental fruit fly quarantine lifted in California this year,” says Victoria Hornbaker, Director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division.
During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the Oriental fruit fly — which include more than 300 varieties, such as citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables, and berries — were not allowed to be moved from the properties where they were grown. Commercial crops were required to meet stringent treatment or processing standards before being harvested or moved.
While several fruit fly quarantines have now been lifted in California, three additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture, and economy.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect your fruits and vegetables, visit CaFruitFly.com or contracosta.ca.gov.
Subscribe Today For
