New Zealand’s fruit fly-free status remains intact after the country’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) announced the successful conclusion to an eradication operation in Auckland.
MPI field staff cleared fruit fly traps in the suburb of Grey Lynn for the final time earlier this week and found no signs of the insect pest.
The programme kicked off in February when a single Queensland fruit fly was caught in one of MPI’s surveillance traps. This was followed by the discovery of a small breeding population of the fruit flies, triggering a programme of insecticide treatments, trapping and community education.
“We have not found any fruit flies in the affected area since March and enough time has passed to confidently say that New Zealand is again fruit fly-free,” said MPI director general Martyn Dunne. “Local residents will be happy to hear that the controlled area has been lifted and there are no longer any restrictions on the movement of fresh fruit and vegetables in Auckland.”
MPI estimates put the cost of the eradication programme at NZ$13.6m, with Dunne thanking MPI’s horticulture partners Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand and Horticulture New Zealand for their contribution to the operation. He also praised the assistance of residents and businesseswithin the Grey Lynn control zone.
“You’ve borne the brunt of this situation with both the movement restrictions and regular insecticide baiting on fruiting plants in your gardens and we’re extremely grateful for your support,” Dunne said. “I can’t stress enough how vital this work has been. This particular insect pest is a significant threat to our NZ$3.6bn a year horticultural export industry and home gardens.”
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