In the newest development in a series of fruit fly invasions, fruits and vegetables in portions of Ventura and Los Angeles counties are under quarantine.
The news comes shortly after Tau fruit flies and Medflies caused a similar quarantine in Los Angeles County.
The Queensland fruit fly (QFF), was the newest invasive species to be detected in the area. As the name suggests, the fly is a native of Queensland, Australia. A pair of QFFs located in the city of Thousand Oaks sparked the quarantine, which measures 76 square miles.
In a press conference, Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner Korinne Bell addressed the high number of fruit flies being detected in the state.
“In an average year, CDFA officials … would detect about 75 fruit flies on average,” Bell said. “This year they’ve detected over 600 fruit flies in residential neighborhoods throughout the state.”
Cut through the clutter! We deliver the news you need to stay informed about farm, food and rural issues. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse here.
According to a CDFA statement, “damage occurs when the female fruit fly lays her eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots, which tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.”
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross touted the intergovernmental program “Don’t Pack a Pest,” in the statement.
“This has been a record year for fruit fly detections,” Ross said. “The stakes are high. Help us protect our commercial and backyard gardens from invasive fruit flies — please ‘Don’t Pack a Pest’ when you travel, and don’t mail packages carrying unmarked fruits and vegetables to California.”
For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.
