U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Detroit Metropolitan Airport intercepted fresh cherries infested with the European cherry fruit fly on June 19. The pest was found during a secondary inspection of a 5-pound bag of cherries brought by a traveler from Romania, destined for Fish Creek, Wisconsin, a key tart cherry producing area.
Local CBP and USDA officials initially identified the specimens as European cherry fruit flies, with confirmation by a specialist at the USDA Systemic Entomology Laboratory earlier this month.
“This was an excellent interception by our agriculture specialists,” stated Port Director Fadia Pastilong. “This pest can pose a major threat to cherry orchards in the Midwest.”
The European cherry fruit fly is known as a significant pest in Europe. Its larvae damage cherries by feeding on them, leading to rot and rendering the fruit unmarketable. Once introduced, control efforts are complicated due to their ability to use other hosts like honeysuckle and dogwood.
“The critical nature of the work CBP agriculture specialists perform to protect our agriculture and natural resources cannot be emphasized enough,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “This is yet another example of their diligence and expertise in action.”
The pest has already been discovered in several New York counties under quarantine to prevent its spread. Travelers are encouraged to declare all food and plant items upon entering the U.S. to help prevent exotic pests and diseases.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline: it is the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and the first unified border management agency globally, comprising over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America through land, air, and sea operations.
