Chile's SAG concludes fruit fly eradication campaigns in northern regions

Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has concluded fruit fly eradication and intensive surveillance campaigns in several northern regions.

In the Antofagasta Region, the campaign against the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in Tocopilla was declared finished after three biological cycles passed without new detections. The intervention involved over 13,000 property visits, the installation of 95 additional traps, and the removal of approximately 124 kilograms of fruit across 20 species. Regional director Cristian Poble Palma noted that the decision follows the absence of larval foci.

Similarly, in the Tarapacá Region, SAG concluded an eradication campaign in the urban area of Pozo Almonte. The agency also completed five intensive surveillance processes in Miñi Miñe, Suca, Playa Blanca, Fuerte Baquedano, and Miraflores following the detection of wild specimens. Regional director Sue Vera emphasized that these results stem from technical field work and cooperation with local producers. SAG is currently promoting a new national strategy to strengthen the detection and management of these pests.