COUNTY-WIDE QUARANTINE OF SAN DIEGO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LIKELY DUE TO DISCOVERY OF MORE VORACIOUS MOTHS
East County News Network
August 5, 2010 (San Diego) – Four light-brown apple moths found in a single trap near Interstates 805 and 15, following discovery of another moth recently in Bonsall, will trigger a state-ordered quarantine of agricultural products, the San Diego Farm Bureau warned members this week. A state quarantine will likely lead to a federal quarantine that could restrict sale of crops grown throughout San Diego County.
Additional traps have been set to determine the intensity of the infestation should be ready today. Next week, the state will set quarantine boundaries extending out 1.5 miles from the site. However, the Farm Bureau predicts a far larger impact in statement on its website: “After the state quarantine is declared, there will be the declaration of a federal quarantine, and the feds are leaning towards placing the entire county under quarantine.”
The vast majority of crops produced in this county will be impacted once the quarantine is declared. Products produced inside a quarantine cannot be moved until the location has been inspected and declared LBAM free. That must then be followed by a trapping program to exhibit continuous lack of the pest. Recommended reading on this is at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/pdfs/FactSheets/LBAM_Q-Compliance....
Thirty-five additional inspectors are currently en route to San Diego from other parts of the state and country to assist with the project.
The Farm Bureau plans an informational meeting for San Diego County farmers and growers on August 10 at 2 p.m. in the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane in Fallbrook.
Light brown apple moths are voracious eaters that will consume a wide variety of produce crops and plants.
Treatment of past infestations have included aerial spraying of pesticides, which triggered more than 200 complaints of health impacts. California subsequently switched to release of pheromones, chemicals that interfere with the moths' abilities to find mates.
If you suspect Light Brown Apple Moth on any of your plants or trees, call the CDFA PEST HOTLINE at 1-800-491-1899 or 619-698-1046.