New outbreak of Queensland fruit fly declared at Monash, Renmark West outbreak area extended

Following the detection of larvae in home grown stone fruit, a new outbreak of Queensland fruit fly has been declared.

A new fruit fly outbreak has been declared at Monash, while the Renmark West outbreak area has been extended.

The outbreak was declared after Queensland fruit fly larvae was detected in home grown stone fruit.

The detection was just outside of the existing outbreak area at Monash North, resulting in the establishment of a new outbreak area ‘Monash A’.

A Queensland fruit fly. Picture: Chloe Johnson

Fruit Fly Response general manager Nick Secomb for SA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) said the new outbreak at Monash and the extension of the existing Renmark West outbreak area were triggered by the detection of larvae in apricots.

“We know fruit flies become more active at this time of the year, with the new stone fruit ripening and warmer weather increasing the likelihood of outbreaks,” Mr Secomb said.

“Residents and businesses in the new Monash outbreak area and extended Renmark West area will be receiving information from PIRSA about the outbreaks and associated quarantine details. Fruit fly officers will be visiting properties in the outbreak areas to apply bait and check for signs of fruit fly in fruit.”

Mr Secomb said people need to understand and abide by the restrictions now in place in the 1.5km red outbreak area and the 15km yellow suspension area. Growers and residents should search their address on the interactive outbreak map on the fruit fly website.

“PIRSA is applying every measure at its disposal to eradicate these outbreaks, and the community and industry’s commitment to breaking the fruit fly life cycle is a critical part of that eradication effort.” Mr Secomb said.

Queensland fruit fly. Picture: Chloe Johnson

Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Commitee Jason Size said all growers and residents should take steps to reduce the ability for fruit flies to successfully breed.

“Picking your ripe fruit promptly, collecting fallen fruit and checking fruit for maggots seem basic steps, but they are absolutely critical preventive actions,” said Mr Size.

“I also am keen to see more growers take up the self-baiting program PIRSA is running to increase coverage of fruit fly baits across the Riverland.

“Eradicating fruit fly is a whole of community effort — as the new ads say, don’t let fruit fly under the radar, because we don’t want these pests to become established in our region.”

For up to date outbreak advice visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline [phone].