The US Department of Agriculture has announced the eradication of the Oriental fruit fly in Orange County, California, the last remaining area of the state quarantined for the pest. The last time an Oriental fruit fly was found in the state was September 29, 2004.
As a result, USDA's Animal and Plant Health inspection Service (APHIS) is lifting the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in the state, relieving restrictions that are no longer needed.
The Oriental fruit fly is a destructive pest of citrus and other types of fruit, nuts, vegetables and berries. Its short life cycle allows rapid development of serious outbreaks, which can cause severe economic losses. Heavy infestations can cause massive destruction to crops.
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