SA to deploy 15,000 extra fruit fly traps to control outbreak crisis
The war against fruit fly in backyards and “devastating” outbreak zones around SA is about to escalate.
SA News
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About 15,000 fruit fly traps are being deployed across South Australia, as the state government puts a dollar figure on the war against the pests.
Primary Industries and Regional Development workers have this week begun setting up traps in people’s yards in the various outbreak zones across the state.
Crews are particularly focusing their efforts on Warradale, where the latest outbreak is causing havoc.
The 14,700 traps are in addition to the 3200 that have been deployed since December 2019, as well as the existing network of 7500 traps.
The extra Cera traps are a globally used device that uses food, not pesticides, to lure the flies. The traps are hung on fruit trees.
Primary Industries Minister David Basham announced on Monday that the state budget would allocate $33.3m to help eradicate fruit fly.
The figure includes $17.3m of previously unaccounted for cash that has already been spent this financial year.
A total of $16m is projected for 2021-22, but it could increase if the state does not get on top of the outbreaks.
There are currently 12 Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks and six Queensland fruit fly outbreaks across SA.
“We are on the front line, hand-in-hand with farmers as we fight this devastating pest,” Mr Basham said.
“Our additional $33.3m to eradicate Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly is about protecting tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses in our horticulture industry.”
Mr Basham said fruit flies were less active in colder months, providing an opportunity for authorities to step up the fight.
Tough restrictions on the movement of fruit remain in place.
“I thank South Australians for their co-operation so far but we have to remain vigilant and follow the rules so we can get on top of these outbreaks,” Mr Basham said.
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