Queensland fruit fly credit NSW Department of Primary Industries

Queensland fruit fly (courtesy of NSW Dept of Primary Industries)

Horticulture New Zealand is keeping a close eye on outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly in Australian fruit-growing zones deemed pest-free, reports Radio NZ.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has detected fruit fly in two areas previously declared clear of the pest over the past fortnight. New Zealand imports a considerable amount of fruit from some of these fruit-fly free areas, including grapes and citrus, the report said.

Horticulture NZ chief executive Peter Silcock said if fruit fly was detected, it would immediately close many of New Zealand's fruit and vegetable export markets and devastate the industry.

Mr Silcock added that this latest incident was a warning sign for Biosecurity New Zealand. It is essential to be very conscious of biosecurity issues after the outbreak of the PSA vine disease in 110 kiwifruit orchards, he said.

Mr Silcock said the Australian experience showed how difficult Queensland fruit fly is to manage in any sustainable way.

Travellers need to remember to not bring any fruit and vegetables into the country, he said.