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Medfly Infestation in El Cajon

For the first time in 10 years, a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation has been discovered in San Diego County. State crews will begin eradicating the flies Friday in El Cajon. KPBS Environmental Repo

For the first time in 10 years, a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation has been discovered in San Diego County. State crews will begin eradicating the flies Friday in El Cajon.  KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Medfly can infect more than 260 types of fruits and vegetables.

The state department of food and agriculture says the flies can hurt California agricultural exports and backyard gardens.

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Crews will attack the infestation with an aerial release of sterile Medflies over an 11 square mile area.  

Nearly 2.8 million sterile Medflies will be released weekly.

Sterile male flies mate with fertile female flies but produce no offspring.

Crews will also use ground treatments around the area where the wild Medflies were spotted.

Officials say a permanent infestation would result in estimated annual losses of $1.3 to $1.8 billion.

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The state also expects to issue a quarantine zone to keep the infestation from spreading.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.