Stephanie Talton, Deputy Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Detroit Metropolitan Airport intercepted live larvae from a rare fruit fly earlier this year. The discovery was made in June when an arriving traveler from Italy, who refused to answer agriculture-related questions, was referred for a baggage examination.
Local USDA and CBP officials initially identified the specimens as caper fruit fly, a species last intercepted 20 years ago in Tampa, Florida. This identification was confirmed by a specialist at the USDA Systemic Entomology Laboratory earlier this month.
Port Director Fadia Pastilong stated, "Our CBP officers and agriculture specialists work hand-in-hand to stop potential threats before they have potential to cause economic damage." She highlighted the risk of pests like these becoming introduced species of concern if left undetected.
The caper fruit fly primarily feeds on capers in its native habitat but belongs to a family that includes some of the world's most damaging agricultural pests such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and Oriental fruit fly. There is limited information about other possible hosts for the caper fruit fly or its ability to find suitable hosts within the United States. Pests often have more severe impacts outside their native ranges due to lack of natural controls.
Travelers are encouraged to declare all food and agricultural items upon entering the United States and are advised to familiarize themselves with what items are permitted through programs like Know Before You Go.
CBP describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America across various domains while facilitating safe travel and trade.
