Fruit fly outbreak in West Croydon sparks quarantine zone
A 1.5KM quarantine zone has been put in place surrounding an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly at West Croydon.
A 1.5KM quarantine zone has been put in place surrounding an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly at West Croydon.
Biosecurity SA officers will tomorrow start a baiting program in the area following the discovery of the fly larvae in plums being grown in a residential backyard.
The outbreak is the third in SA this year following others in January when Queensland fruit fly were found at Loxton in the Riverland and Mediterranean fruit fly larvae were found at Sellicks Beach.
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said residents and businesses within the quarantine zone would shortly receive information from Biosecurity SA about the latest outbreak detailing how they can help preventing its spread.
“Queensland fruit fly doesn’t normally exist in South Australia and must have been brought into
our state from infested fruit originating in one of the eastern States,’’ he said.
“Fortunately, the householder who discovered the fruit fly larvae rang the Fruit Fly Hotline to
report what they’d found in their backyard fruit. Early reporting of fruit fly discoveries is vital in
aiding successful eradication.
“I urge everyone to be just as vigilant and report if they discover any maggots, and to reduce
the risk of fruit fly breeding by not leaving ripe fruit lying on the ground in backyard gardens.
“An organic bait spotting program will be undertaken with the possibility of sterile fruit flies
being released at the end of that period to further assist eradication.’’
Residents and businesses inside the quarantine area could help eliminate fruit
fly by:
NOT giving away or move any fruit or fruiting vegetables, including
tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants unless cooked or preserved.
NOT leaving fruit or fruiting vegetables lying on the ground.
NOT composting any fruit or fruiting vegetables, including those
purchased from a shop.
REPORTING any maggots found in fruit or fruiting vegetables
immediately to the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
COOKING or preserving excess fruit and vegetables.