Part of Los Angeles County quarantined for Mexican fruit fly

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Agricultural authorities say a portion of Los Angeles County has been placed under quarantine due to detection of the Mexican fruit fly.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture said Tuesday the quarantine includes the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The three flies found so far include two mated females, which indicate a breeding population.

The quarantine area spans 79 square miles (205 square kilometers).

The Mexican fruit fly can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables.

The quarantine covers growers, wholesalers and retailers of susceptible fruit as well as nurseries. Officials say imports and exports through the ports may also be affected. The quarantine also covers residential fruits and vegetables.

Thousands of sterile male Mexican fruit flies will be released to interrupt the breeding cycle.