Medfly Quarantine in Portion of Alameda County, including Parts of Fremont.

A portion of Alameda County, including part of Fremont, has been placed under quarantine for the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly) following the detection of one wild mated female in Fremont.

What is A Medfly? The Medfly is known to target more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables. Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit.

As of today, four medflies have been found in Fremont within a half mile distance from each other. Treatment of this area with sterile medflies is set to begin. The USDA, the Alameda County Agricultural Commissioner, and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on this project. The City will share more information as it becomes available. 

Quarantine Area

The quarantine area in Alameda County measures approximately 71 square miles, bordered on the north by CA-84; on the south by the boundary between Alameda-Santa Clara counties; on the west by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge; and on the east by Calaveras Creek. Here’s a link to the quarantine map: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html.

The quarantine will affect any growers, wholesalers, and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as local residents. 

Learn More

For more information, visit these links on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) websites:

Press Release: https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/62099064

Medfly Info and Quarantine Map:  https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html 

Photos and additional information:  https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/pdep/target_pest_disease_profiles/mediterranean_ff_profile.html   

Hotline

Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables are infested with fruit fly larvae are encouraged to call the State’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or email reportapest@cdfa.ca.gov.

Residents with questions about the project may call CDFA’s Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.