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A portion of Alameda County in California has been placed under quarantine for the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) following the detection of one wild mated female in Fremont. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Alameda County agricultural commissioner and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on the project.
The quarantine area in Alameda County measures approximately 71 square miles. It is bordered on the north by CA-84, on the south by the boundary between Alameda and Santa Clara counties, on the west by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and on the east by Calaveras Creek. The quarantine map may be found here.
The last Medfly quarantine in Alameda County was in 1981. CDFA noted that it has successfully eradicated every detected Medfly infestation in California history, dating back more than 40 years.
Sterile male medflies will be released in the area as part of the eradication effort. The sterile fly release program has a proven track record of success in California. Sterile male flies mate with fertile female flies in the natural environment but produce no offspring. The fly population decreases as the wild flies reach the end of their lives with no offspring to replace them, ultimately resulting in eradication of the pest.
Properties within 200 meters of detection sites are being treated with an organic formulation of spinosad in order to help reduce the density of the pest population. Fruit removal will occur within 100 meters of properties with mated females, larval detections and/or multiple adult detections.
The quarantine will affect any growers, wholesalers and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as local residents. Home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property.
The Medfly is known to target more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables, including citrus. Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. Photos and additional information about the Medfly may be found here.
Those who believe their fruits and vegetables are infested with fruit fly larvae should email reportapest@cdfa.ca.gov or call California’s pest hotline at 800-491-1899.
Source: CDFA
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