In addition, agriculture officials are working to establish a quarantine zone surrounding the Medfly finds that will limit the movement of homegrown fruits and other agricultural products in the area. During the quarantine period, residents in the area are urged to cooperate by not moving home-grown products, and when traveling or mailing packages, to help keep our state pest free by observing quarantine laws and regulations. Federal and state agriculture officials will continue to evaluate the situation very closely to determine if additional activities are required. Future actions are dependent upon the discovery of any additional Medflies. The Medfly, not indigenous to California, usually enters the state when travelers unknowingly bring in prohibited food and agricultural products from other countries or states through international airports, and border inspection stations.
Medflies can also enter the state through ports and parcel deliveries.
Medflies are one of the most destructive pests known to modern agriculture, attacking more than 250 varieties of fruits, nuts and vegetables. Medflies lay their eggs in ripening fruit, thus rendering the fruit unedible and unmarketable. Economists estimate that the establishment of the Medfly in the United States could cost billions of dollars in lost crops, exports, and treatment expenses.