CHICAGO—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists conducting cargo inspections at the O’Hare International Airport recently discovered an infestation of Mediterranean fruit fly larvae (Ceratitis capitata) in three shipments of bell peppers from Spain.
These shipments were quarantined in a secure environment and the insect specimens were preserved and forwarded to the local USDA pest identification lab office where they were positively identified as Mediterranean fruit fly. Because of the significant threat posed by these pests, the USDA issued Federal Order DA-2016-01 suspending importation of peppers (Capsicum annum) from Spain.
“CBP Agriculture Specialists continually demonstrate their vigilance in intercepting these extremely destructive pests that could cause substantial damage to our agricultural and economic interests,” said Area Port Director Matthew Davies.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), commonly called medfly, is one of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests. The female medfly attacks ripening fruit, piercing the soft skin and laying eggs in the puncture. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed inside the fruit pulp and make the fruit inedible. The medfly’s host range includes more than 300 plant species.
If the medfly were to become established here, the estimated annual market value of U.S. commodities that would be at risk is more than $7.2 billion. That dollar figure is the sum of potential damage to our Nation’s economy from export sanctions, lost markets, treatment costs, eradication and control efforts, reduced crop yields, plant deformities, and premature fruit drop for items that are potential hosts for the fruit fly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.