Provided by Dr. Marion Fuller
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

Report dated 05/09/98

SECTION 18: EPA has approved three more applications of malathion bait by ground/air - for both the areas currently identified as infested, along with any new areas delineated by additional trapping within the current regulated area of about 135 square miles. This does not mean that applications by either ground or air will occur over the 135 square miles - it means that EPA has approved the application of malalthion bait in the identified area for three more applications at weekly intervals, as well as applications for any new areas identified in the area in which we are currently trapping.

Treatment Area: The application area has expanded slightly - on the eastern and southern boarders - to a total treatment area of about 35 square miles.

Fly count: Three more flies were trapped in the application area. This doesn't affect the size of the treatment area.

Environmental Monitoring: Additional samples: We have the pre-application water data for two additional lakes, that were captured in Tuesday's application. Both samples are below detection levels for both malathion and malaoxon.

In addition to the water samples, we have some of the drift card analyses. Four sites were monitored:

• Boys Ranch School: Three of four cards were analyzed. Two cards were positive, one was below detection limits, the fourth was invalidated because it blew away from its placement site.

• Lake View Terrace: One card - positive.

• Lake Gibson five cards, placed at water's edge, 20m, 40m, 60m, and 80m from water's edge. All positive.

• Lake Umatilla: five cards, placed at water's edge, 164 ft., 328 ft., 492 ft., and 656 ft. from water's edge. The card at water's edge was below detection limites, all of the remaining cards were positive.

All samples were below detection limits for malaoxon.

Detection limits for drift card samples is 2.5 ug.

Recall the water samples taken at these sites, following application: Lake Gibson: 6.6 ppb, and Lake Umatilla: below detection limits.

Three active eagles nests have been identified in the regulated area. Two are within Sunday's treatment area, and appropriate precautions will be taken to avoid disturbing the nests. (It is the physical presence of the helicopters, not malathion which is problematic for these species, therefore, pilots will avoid flying within 1000 ft. circumference of the nest.)

Health Monitoring: The Public Health Advisory Committee met Friday by conference call. 68 calls have been received by the Hotline. These have been categorized as follows: 11 - human health questions; 8 animal questions; 10 concerning time of application; 2 property damage; 14 wanting to know the location of the application boundaries; 14 referred to DACS; 9 "other".

One woman has called, noting exacerbation of her son's asthesma and kidney disease (noted in 05-07-98 update). The family lives near the edge of Sunday's spray zone - problems occured after Sunday's application. The home is located in the expanded area, and was included in Tuesday's treatment. DOH will follow up on this case as needed.

FDACS and USDA staff will be monitoring during tomorrow's treatment.

FDACS - Division of Plant Industy: Mediterranean fruit fly information
USDA APHIS: Mediterranean fruit fly information
UF/IFAS Fact Sheet ENY-809: The Mediterranean Fruit Fly
UF/IFAS Fact Sheet ENY-626: Mediterranean Fruit Fly: What Floridians Need To Know