Residents Can Prevent Future Introductions of Invasive Species by Avoiding Transport of Fruits and Vegetables
SACRAMENTO — July 11, 2024 — Thanks to the cooperation and diligence of Contra Costa County residents and local agricultural officials, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner, has declared an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine following the eradication of the invasive pest.
The declaration comes nearly 10 months after 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, as well as surrounding areas in 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 — 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, three additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture and economy.
As temperatures rise and vacationers ramp-up their 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, residents should follow these guidelines:
• Cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
• Determine if your property is located within an active quarantine area by visiting CAFruitFly.com.
• Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
• Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to CDFA at 1-800-491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
• When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products — including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies — please Don’t Pack a Pest (www.dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CaFruitFly.com or contracosta.ca.gov.
