The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is reporting that they have detected the Mediterranean Fruit Fly - or Medfly - IN HOPKINS. Belize was the only country in this region that was free of the pest, but that streak is over: BAHA says that they have detected it in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District, and the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District.
BAHA's immediate response is that it will start fruit stripping, ground spraying, and trapping. They want to ensure that the outbreak is contained and eradicated as quickly as possible. BAHA stresses that the fly is only introduced when fruits and vegetables are illegally brought into the country.
The organization is appealing to the public to help by not bringing in fruits form neighboring countries because the Medfly has been devastating to fruit and vegetable export markets of other countries where it is prevalent. In addition, the Medfly also causes losses to small vendors who are unable to sell their fruits such as mango, craboo or guavas locally when areas are placed under quarantine restrictions.
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