The search is on for additional Mexican fruit flies in Escondido, after the discovery of five of the pests in two residential properties. Agricultural officials say they'll have to impose a quarantine of locally grown crops to prevent the pest from spreading. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Officials say the quarantine will likely cover about 81 square miles in North County. To eradicate the pest, crews will are already spraying plants and trees with an organic pesticide. Sterile Mexican fruit flies will soon be released in the area.
Bob Atkins is the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner. He says the flies that were discovered were unmated females.
Atkins : The early indications with an immature population, quite localized, gives us every reason to be hopeful that we're right on top of this one, and hopefully can make short work of it.
North County growers hope Atkins is right. The Mexican fruit fly can infest more than 50 kinds of fruit, including citrus and avocados.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
