Sacramento, California - CDFA’s “Pest Prevention University” a chance for counties to learn more about pest programs:

CDFA’s annual ‘Pest Prevention University’ visited several locations throughout the state this year and met with agricultural commissioner’s staff from 40 counties to discuss ongoing invasive species issues, and to share information about CDFA programs. In this photograph, quarantine enforcement is being discussed in Fresno County.

The university concept was introduced in 1999 by former CDFA ag biologist Ed Williams – now the agricultural commissioner in Ventura County. It covers a wide range of programs, including the finer points of plant inspection being discussed here at a session in Solano County.

The subject areas this year included, for the first time, nutria, an invasive rodent turning up in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. CDFA and the counties are assisting with detection techniques as they work with state wildlife officials.

The courses also included parcel inspection, work that is carried out in many counties with the assistance of specially trained dogs.