# Fruit Fly Eradication Program Reaches 90% Completion in Baja California Sur
Jose Alfredo Bermúdez, head of the Secretariat of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Agricultural Development (Sepada), announced that efforts to eradicate the fruit fly in Baja California Sur have reached 90% completion. “The fruit fly issue remains under control, with captures averaging just one or two flies per month, primarily in the San Bartolo, Pescadero, and Todos Santos areas, which are the only regions left for complete eradication,” he reported.
Bermúdez emphasized that this program involves coordinated efforts with the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), the State Committee for Plant Health (CESV), and the National Service for Health, Safety, and Agro-Food Quality (Senasica). Recently, U.S. authorities visited and certified the eradication actions in Baja California Sur, verifying that they adhere to international standards.
The U.S. government has reaffirmed the region’s status as a fruit fly-free zone. Measures include extensive inspections at the ports of Pichilingue and international airports in Los Cabos and La Paz to monitor incoming shipments for the pest. Over 800 larvae have been detected and intercepted in shipments this year, with monthly inspections covering more than a thousand freight trucks.
“Once larvae are detected in shipments of fruit like mangoes, the shipment is returned and any infested fruit is confiscated and burnt. A report is then submitted to Senasica to apply sanctions to the responsible inspector who failed to detect any live larvae at the port of entry in Pichilingue,” Bermúdez explained. “Allowing these shipments into Baja California Sur would immediately infest the state, nullifying our progress and certification.”
Monthly reports are also sent to Senasica at the national level to ensure both U.S. and Mexican governments remain informed, maintaining the pest-free status of the region.
### Additional News on the Fruit Fly Eradication Program
## USDA Supports Fruit Fly Eradication Efforts in Mexico
In a continued effort to combat the fruit fly population, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has pledged further support and funding to Mexico. This collaboration aims to enhance tools and methods used in detecting and eliminating the fruit fly, reinforcing both countries’ agricultural stability.
## New Sterile Insect Release Project Launched
A new sterile insect technique (SIT) project has been launched in various regions of Mexico, including Baja California Sur. The method involves releasing sterile fruit flies to disrupt the breeding cycle, ultimately leading to population decline. Early results from pilot studies indicate a significant reduction in fruit fly numbers, bolstering eradication efforts.
## Community Awareness Programs Expanded
In another stride towards eradication, community awareness and educational programs have been expanded across affected regions. These programs aim to engage local farmers and residents in identifying and reporting fruit fly sightings expediently. Enhanced community involvement is proving crucial to the rapid response and control of new infestations.
These efforts reflect a robust and multi-faceted approach to safeguarding Mexico’s agricultural industry from the detrimental impact of the fruit fly, with collaboration across local, national, and international levels.