Tau Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Los Angeles County

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has officially declared an end to the Tau fruit fly quarantine in Los Angeles County following the successful eradication of the invasive pest.

The quarantine, which was established in the Santa Clarita area of Los Angeles County, was the first-ever quarantine for the Tau fruit fly in the Western Hemisphere. It encompassed the city of Santa Clarita and surrounding areas in parts of Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Castaic Junction, Oat Mountain and Del Valle.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Santa Clarita area residents, local agricultural officials, the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, and officials from CDFA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the invasive pest has been successfully eradicated from the area as of June 28.

“Following one of the largest statewide invasive fruit fly populations we’ve seen in a number of years in California, we’re incredibly proud that we’ve been able to successfully achieve eradication of the Tau fruit fly,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The lifting of this quarantine proves that our efforts are working, and the responsiveness and cooperation of residents across California and our partners is critical to that success.”

During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the 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, four additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture and economy.

Visit CAFruitFly.com or acwm.lacounty.gov to learn more about invasive species and other active quarantines.

Source: Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program

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