| For Immediate
Release June 2, 2000 Release CDFA00-025 |
Contact: Steve
Lyle, CDFA 916/654-0462 Jill Davis, ADA 602/542-0958
|
CALIFORNIA AND
ARIZONA JOIN FORCES TO BATTLE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT
Agreement to
Adopt Western Regional Attack Against Pest
SACRAMENTO–
Citing a need to stop the dangerous Red Imported Fire
Ant, the states of California and Arizona have agreed
to a plan under which Arizona port of entry inspectors
will inspect trucks bound for California.
"This
creates a larger buffer zone against the Red Imported
Fire Ant," said California Department of Food and
Agriculture Secretary William J. (Bill) Lyons Jr.
"We’re grateful that our colleagues from the state
of Arizona have agreed to join the fight."
Secretary
Lyons and Arizona Department of Agriculture Director
Sheldon R. Jones each signed the agreement. "We recognize
the benefit of a regional effort against the Red Imported
Fire Ant," said Jones. "Keeping our ‘free-from’ ant
status is important in protecting our quality of life,
and the transportation industry will also benefit
from expedited interstate travel."
The
Red Imported Fire Ant is prevalent in the southeastern
United States. Since its arrival in California, it
has infested Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside, San
Bernardino and San Diego counties, leading to quarantines
in several of those counties.
The
Red Imported Fire Ant is an aggressive, menacing pest
that, when disturbed, attacks in large numbers, biting
and stinging its victims. In extreme cases, the attacks
can be fatal.
Arizona
port of entry inspectors will inspect trucks on the
state’s shared border with New Mexico, at stations
located near the communities of Sanders and San Simon.
California’s financial commitment under the agreement
will allow for operations at the Douglas and Duncan
stations. Commercial vehicles and private rental trucks
will be the primary focus.
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