Medfly detections in Belize July 2, 2018
Detections of the Medfly (Ceratitis capitata) detections have occurred in the southern portion of Belize in areas where detections have been made in previous years. The first medfly detection for 2018 occurred on Lime Caye on June 3, 2018. A single male medfly was detected and as a result control measures were initiated. Additional bait stations were installed and surveillance and chemical control was increased to every two weeks. On June 7, 2018 a single unmated female medfly was detected in Mango Creek. Control measures carried out included fruit stripping around the detection site, delimitation trapping and installation of 25 bait stations. Since it was a single unmated female it is only a detection and not an outbreak. On June 29, 2018, a single male medfly was detected in Mafredi in the Toledo District. Delimitation traps were set as well as bait stations. On July 1, 2018 a single male medfly was detected in Hunting Caye. Delimitation traps will be set up and chemical control will continue to be conducted every two weeks. Bait stations will also be installed. On July 2, three (3) medflies were found on the Placencia peninsula. A single male detected in Riversdale and two medflies detected in Placencia; one male and an “undetermined” since only the wings were present in the trap. Full eradication measures are in place and it is expected that all outbreaks will be eradicated in due time. There is no current need for internal quarantine.