An emergency measure ordered by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) aimed at controlling a stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) outbreak in northern Costa Rica went into effect last week.

All pineapple farms in the district of Cutris de San Carlos and San Rafael de Río Cuarto must refrain from any new plantings or soil preparations for the next 90 days. Other regular activities may continue on the farms, said the order issued by SENASA.

SENASA officials in the measure also instructed pineapple farms to apply insect control measures on their plantations as well as aid neighboring cattle farms to install fly traps and other controls.

Organic residues and debris, and other practices on pineapple farms have been identified as causing fly outbreaks in these regions on a regular basis, said Edgardo Araya, legislator from the Costa Rican Broad Front party.

While livestock farmers have been largely behind the push to get assistance in remedying the stable fly situation, the outbreak also is bothersome to the local population.

“Impacts on the environment can be minimized through preventive measures, good practices and respecting environmental and social laws. When this does not happen, as in the case of pineapple companies acting in an irresponsible way, the problems are aggravated, as in the case of flies, use of poisonous chemicals, violations of natural protected areas along ravines and rivers, among others,” said Araya.