Dominican Republic aims to eradicate Mediterranean fruit fly

Punta Cana.- The Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with regional food security agencies, conducted a simulation this week to eradicate the Mediterranean fruit fly in Punta Cana.

The pest was first identified in late December and was swiftly eradicated with the support of technicians from various international and Dominican institutions under the Department of Plant Health. Rosa Lazala, director of the department, stated that the country is progressing towards the eradication of Ceratitis capitata, following the emergency protocol provisions.

The drill involved releasing more sterile male Mediterranean fruit flies. To date, 22 of the planned 24 releases have been completed, with over three million flies being released each week.

The Dominican Republic is close to eliminating this insect in record time, setting a model for 13 Mesoamerican countries. This effort is part of the Subregional Simulation of International Scope of the Mediterranean Fly Eradication Program for the Caribbean region and other member nations of the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA).

Limber Cruz, Minister of Agriculture, led the eradication drill along with former President Hipólito Mejía. Cruz credited President Luis Abinader for the strengthened agricultural sector, including health. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that since the last capture in January, no new flies have been detected.