A Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) was recently discovered in Fremont, California, prompting a quarantine in Alameda County to prevent its spread. 

The medfly, known for destroying crops by laying eggs in fruits and vegetables, has resurfaced after decades of eradication efforts. 

According to Alameda County officials, the quarantine covers 70 square miles. Measures include spraying organic insecticides and releasing sterile male flies, which stop reproduction by mating with fertile females but produce no offspring.

Residents are advised to consume homegrown produce on-site or dispose of it properly. The state’s Department of Food and Agriculture encourages anyone who suspects their fruits or vegetables may be infested to report it via the pest hotline. The last major medfly infestation in the Bay Area occurred in 1980, which caused a $30 million economic loss to Santa Clara County due to quarantined fruit shipments. After an intensive eradication program, including similar measures like releasing sterile males, the medfly population was controlled, though the pest occasionally resurfaces in small numbers.

Agricultural officials are taking aggressive steps to ensure the containment of this pest, emphasizing that early detection and intervention are key to preventing another large-scale infestation. 

The area under quarantine extends from Highway 84 to the Santa Clara County border and includes parts of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge.

For concerns, residents can contact the state hotline or email the Department of Food and Agriculture. The ongoing efforts are part of a long-term strategy to protect California’s vital agricultural industry from this destructive pest.