Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#PuntaCana, January 12th, 2024 – With a Medfly outbreak now confirmed across areas of the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos could be at risk of an infestation as well. The two neighbours have a significant trading relationship, with fresh fruit and other produce crossing the border frequently.
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) is considered one of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world according to the US Department of Agriculture. A local outbreak of fruit flies could pose risks for both the burgeoning Agricultural Sector and the Health Sector in the TCI.
In the past, swift action has been taken by the TCI Department of Agriculture when risks of a medfly infestation arose. The last public warning came in June 2022 where the Department “ restricted the importation of fresh mangoes because of ‘constant interception/findings of fruit fly larvae and signs of anthracnose (fungal) disease on imported mangoes.’
“It is imperative that biosecurity be maintained” the Department had stressed.
Magnetic Media has reached out to officials at the Health and Agriculture Departments to find out what biosecurity measures, if any, will be activated.
#fly #medfly
