The short life cycle of the Mexican fruit fly allows rapid development of serious outbreaks that can cause severe economic losses in commercial citrus-producing areas. The last finding of Mexican fruit fly thought to be associated with the infestation in this area was made on September 8, 1998. Since then no evidence of Mexican fruit fly infestations has been found in this area. Therefore, we are removing this area from the list of areas in Sec. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that there is good cause for publishing this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment.
Immediate action is warranted to remove unnecessary restrictions on the public.
The area in California affected by this document was regulated due to the possibility that the Mexican fruit fly could be spread to noninfested areas of the United States. Since this situation no longer exists, the continued regulated status of this area would impose unnecessary restrictions. Because prior notice and other public procedures with respect to this action are impracticable and contrary to the public interest under these conditions, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553 to make this action effective on June 9, 1999. We will consider comments that are received within 60 days of publication of this rule in the Federal Register. After the comment period closes, we will publish another document in the Federal Register.