Agency moves quickly in response to alert, after the discover of a single male Queensland fruit fly
The movement of fruit and vegetables has been placed under strict control in an area of Auckland, New Zealand, after a fruit fly was detected.
According to Biosecurity NZ, a male Queensland fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in the suburb of Mt Roskill on 7 January.
The group said it had responded swiftly by increasing the number of traps in place and ramping up inspections.
“Field crews are setting additional fruit fly lure traps to determine if other flies are present in the area,” it said. “A significant number of additional traps are being placed within a 1,500-metre area of the original find.” In response, a Controlled Area Notice is in place, restricting the movement of fruit and vegetables in the area.
Biosecurity NZ said Queensland fruit fly cost growers “hundreds of millions of dollars a year” in damage and pest control.
“It has spread from Queensland to other parts of Australia, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and the Pitcairn Islands.
“The adult fly lays its eggs in fruit. When the maggots hatch, they eat the fruit, causing it to rot. The maggots eat over 200 different types of fruit and vegetables. Their favourites are guava, stonefruit, tomatoes, and mango.”
