The California Department of Food and Agriculture has declared an end to an Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Contra Costa County following the eradication of the invasive pest.
Thursday’s declaration comes nearly 10 months after state 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 and parts of Antioch, Bethel Island and Discovery Bay.
“We’re pleased to report this is the third Oriental fruit fly quarantine lifted in California this year,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “These recent successes prove that through the cooperation of residents across the state and our partners, eradication of invasive species is possible.”
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 — weren’t 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 been lifted in California, three additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture and economy.
Avoiding unwanted hitchhikers
As temperatures rise and vacationers ramp up travel plans, agriculture officials urge residents to refrain from bringing back potentially infested produce from their trips.
When at home, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant for signs of invasive pests. To help prevent any future introductions of invasive species, the CDFA asks people to cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to gardens to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
The agency asked people to determine if their property is located within an active quarantine area by visiting CAFruitFly.com.
It asked people to buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries since purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. People can find a licensed nursery near them by visiting the CDFA website.
People should inspect their gardens for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to the CDFA at 800-491-1899 or their local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
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