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December 13, 2002
Fruit Fly Quarantine is Imposed in San Diego County
On December 5, 2002, state and federal officials imposed a quarantine in San Diego County, California in an attempt to hold the spread of the Mexican fruit fly. The quarantine area encompasses 117 square miles of prime citrus and avocado cropland. According to sources, although growers had expected the quarantine, they initially thought it would be confined to a smaller area than that announced. This is the worst infestation of Mexican fruit flies in nearly 50 years in San Diego County. Eradication procedures were begun immediately; however, the quarantine could remain in effect for up to 8 months. The Mexican fruit fly attacks more than 40 different kinds of fruits. According to sources, more than 15 types of fruit, including avocados, oranges, grapefruit, lemons and persimmons, are grown in the area. Produce within the quarantine area may not be moved unless it has been treated by malathion (a pesticide), or processed into juice or guacamole.
California Groups Preparing to Sue USDA Over APHIS Rule on Spanish Clementines
According to news sources, California Citrus Mutual and the California Grape and Tree Fruit League have jointly agreed pursue a lawsuit to plead that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) October 15, 2002, rule to allow Spanish clementine imports is based on flawed science and will not protect California from a medfly infestation. They contend that an infestation would be devastating to the citrus industry. Their specific areas of concern are risk, exclusion, and inspection. According to sources, there have already been two reported instances of a breakdown in the system. Several weeks ago, Spanish clementines were found in a Sam’s Club in Florida, despite that fact that the boxes were clearly marked not for distribution in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, sources have reported that two containers of clementines had not been adequately cold treated. Another California group, the U.S. Citrus Science Council was a plaintiff in the court case in July 2000 where the court ultimately remanded the rule that allowed the importation of fresh citrus fruit from Argentina. The groups involved in preparing to sue over the APHIS Spanish clementine rule believe they have a very solid case.
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