Provided by Dr. Marion Fuller
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Report Dated 07/14/98
I understand that USDA is working on a request to EPA for aerial bait treatment, and that it may be submitted late today or tomorrow morning.
The public meeting is planned for Thursday (July 16th) at 7:00 PM. It will be held at the Agri-Civic Center at 4509 W. George Boulevard in Sebring.
Also, I believe that the first bait treatment will begin Friday morning, again, details will follow.
If this program follows those of the past, and if chemical treatment is used as the primary response, treatments will take place at about 7 day intervals, and continue through two life cycles (6-8 treatments). The treatment and surrounding area is under quarantine, during and after the treatment, until eradication is declared. This usually involves intensive trapping for one or more life cycles at the conclusion of the treatment.
Sterile flies are another treatment modality, when the wild population is at very low levels. If steriles are used in lieu of part of the chemical treatment here, it will extend the quarantine period, as this technique takes longer to achieve eradication.
Both Umatilla and Bradenton had infestations significant enough that initial chemical treatment was needed (as is the case here.) Umatilla opted for total chemical control, where Bradenton had a strong desire to implement sterile release as soon as possible.
FDACS - Division of Plant Industy:
Mediterranean fruit fly information
USDA APHIS: Mediterranean fruit fly information
UF/IFAS Fact Sheet ENY-809:
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly
UF/IFAS Fact Sheet ENY-626:
Mediterranean Fruit Fly: What Floridians Need To Know