Valley Center Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted

Less than one year after identifying an infestation of Mexican fruit flies in the Valley Center area, the local quarantine has been lifted effective July 1. The eradication project in Valley Center and surrounding areas — conducted jointly by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture and the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office — has been completed. The quarantine, which went into effect December 5, utilized Spinosad — a naturally occurring extract from bacteria that was cleared for use on organic crops – to aid in eradication of the pest. These treatments were complemented by later releases of sterile Mexican fruit flies and intensive trappings.