Inside Report (7)
The buzz of the Mediterranean fruit fly may finally be drowned in California.
Nary a Medfly has been spotted in the state since Nov. 20, 1981. Medfly fighters are winding down their attack, with plans to end aerial spraying June 29. Quarantines of once infested areas could be lifted by mid-September.
Besides the projected $95.3 million cost of the eradication program, more than 5,000 claims totaling more than $28 million have been filed against the state because of the spraying program.
Recent discoveries of Mexican fruit fly larvae in oranges trucked into California have been attributed to faulty fumigation. All shipments from Mexico have been banned, and officials say they are confident no California infestation will result.
