50% of fruit fly cases closed under Chile control plan

Chile has eradicated 50% of fruit fly outbreaks detected during the 2025-2026 season, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Since the national control plan was launched in October 2025, authorities have managed 66 outbreaks across the country. So far, 33 have been closed, while the remaining 33 remain under active control.

The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) invested CLP 33 billion (approx. US$35 million) in 2025 on surveillance, containment and eradication work. Measures include fruit destruction, field sanitation, quarantine controls and intensive monitoring in affected zones.

Around 500 additional staff have been deployed nationwide, with operations running from Arica to Aysén. Control actions also include sterile insect releases and internal movement restrictions to prevent spread.

Border and transport inspections have been reinforced, particularly in northern regions facing higher risk from illegal agricultural product entries. Authorities are also advancing legislation to penalise the illegal introduction of pests.

Support measures are in place for growers affected by mandatory fruit disposal. Compensation schemes have already covered close to 500,000 kilos of destroyed fruit, alongside emergency aid and technical assistance programmes.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl, gob.cl