Eradication of Cactus Moth Outbreaks from Isla Contoy, Mexico
The Mexican Government has officially announced that the Cactus Moth Cactoblastis cactorum, a serious threat to all prickly pear cactus species, has been eradicated from the island of Contoy, in the Mexican Caribbean. This invasive pest had been previously eradicated from Isla Mujeres, also in the State
of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan peninsula.
Isla Contoy is a National Protected Area in Mexico, where alternative suppression activities were needed because of the sheltered wild fauna and vegetation. Since sanitation could only be done in the affected zone and chemical control was not an option, the Sterile Insect Technique was the perfect choice.
On Isla Contoy, after area-wide releases of sterile moths that were shipped initially from Tifton, Georgia and then from Gainesville, Florida, U.S., the control activities were stopped in mid 2008 since no wild moths were detected. However, surveillance efforts continued to complete three generations to be able to officially declare this island as free from the Cactus Moth.
On February 2009, the period equivalent to three biological cycles without pest detections was reached, based on a day-degree model. Therefore in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 8 on determination of pest status in an area, Mexico is now free of the Cactus Moth.
May 2009
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