Five Queensland fruit flies found in monitoring traps as part of regular surveillance activities
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has declared a Queensland fruit fly outbreak in Elizabeth East, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, and is urging residents in the affected area to follow quarantine requirements.
The declaration comes after five Queensland fruit flies were found in monitoring traps by PIRSA staff as part of regular surveillance activities.
According to a PIRSA release, the state government will provide a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of treatment for fruit commercially grown within the outbreak area for a period of time to enable businesses to receive the necessary certifications.
PIRSA staff have started visiting households to apply an organic bait to foliage and checking fruit for signs of fruit fly, including maggots. The department will also hold industry meetings in the coming days.
Nick Secomb, director of plant and invasive species biosecurity, said he was confident the use of proven control measures would achieve successful eradication but stressed that community cooperation with quarantine restrictions was essential.
“Any movement of untreated fruit risks spreading this pest, which is why it is essential that the community living within the 1.5km red outbreak zone follow the rules and do not remove fresh fruit or fruiting vegetables from their property, this includes not sharing produce with family or neighbours, or selling it online,” Secomb said.
He added that Queensland fruit fly develops more quickly during warmer months, as higher temperatures create ideal conditions for adults, eggs and larvae inside fruit, as well as pupae in the soil, particularly when fruit is plentiful on trees.
PIRSA has a track record of successfully eradicating fruit fly in metropolitan areas, and this success relies on residents following the advice provided and allowing easy access to their properties.
PIRSA will also plan to undertake Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) fly releases in the outbreak area, which is a key tool of fruit fly eradication and is most effective once the 12 weeks of organic baiting is complete.
