CBP intercepts European cherry fruit fly at Detroit Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists have intercepted fresh cherries infested with European cherry fruit fly at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The cherries, arriving from Romania and destined for Fish Creek, Wisconsin, were found to contain live maggots and pupae during a secondary inspection of a 5-pound bag.

Upon discovery on June 19, the specimens were tentatively identified by CBP as European cherry fruit fly, which USDA Systemic Entomology Laboratory specialists later confirmed. This is a major pest known to affect cherry crops in the Old Continent.

“This was an excellent interception by our agriculture specialists,” said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. “This pest can pose a major threat to cherry orchards in the Midwest.”

The European cherry fruit fly larvae use their hook-like mandibles to feed on fruit, causing damage and rot, and making the product unmarketable. Control efforts can be challenging due to the pest's ability to utilize hosts such as honeysuckle, dogwood, and barberry.

“The critical nature of the work CBP agriculture specialists perform to protect our agriculture and natural resources cannot be emphasized enough. This is yet another example of their diligence and expertise in action,” stated Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations.

European cherry fruit fly has been identified in several New York counties and is currently under quarantine to prevent further spread.

*Featured photo by CBP.

Related articles:

Florida research aims to reduce pollinator exposure to pesticides