Renewed alert after fresh fruit fly find in imported nectarine in state’s North

A fruit fly larvae has been discovered in an imported mainland nectarine – just one day after Tasmania was declared free of the pest.

A fruit fly larvae has been found in a nectarine in Launceston.

The discovery of fruit fly larvae in an imported mainland nectarine just one day after Tasmania was declared free of the pest has prompted a warning for members of the public to remain vigilant.

A member of the pubic in Launceston reported the suspicious fruit on Thursday, just after the reinstatement of Tasmania’s official Pest Free Area Status.

FRUIT READY TO ROLL AFTER ALL-CLEAR ON FLY

While the detection will not affect the pest free status, Biosecurity Tasmania general manager Lloyd Klumpp said it was a reminder that members of the community must remain on the lookout for fruit flies.

An investigation is now under way to find out how the infected fruit made it into the supply chain.

Biosecurity Tasmania general manager Lloyd Klumpp with a fruit fly trap. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“The suspect produce has been removed from stores and Biosecurity Tasmania is undertaking trace-back and trace-forward investigations which have so far determined that the fruit was most likely part of a consignment of nectarines from a single importer,” Dr Klumpp said.

“We are liaising with Victorian authorities in relation to the source of the fruit and biosecurity requirements it was subject to.”

Biosecurity Tasmania staff will also be going to Victoria as part of the investigation.

“We have protocols for these types of detections should they occur, and we have implemented them to remove the risk and investigate all aspects of this detection,” Dr Klumpp said.

He said no fumigation systems, used to eradicate pest incursions, were 100 per cent effective and occasional detections of fruit fly were made in produce after it had arrived in the state.

“An essential part of an effective biosecurity system is also a community that is knowledgeable and actively supporting positive biosecurity outcomes,” Dr Klumpp said.

“The wider message to the Tasmanian community is continue to be aware of signs of fruit fly and remain vigilant.”

Members of the public are encouraged to check any stone fruit or mangoes for signs of fruit fly or any other pests.

Suspected fruit fly reports can be made to Biosecurity Tasmania via the Fruit Fly Hotline on [phone]. Further information on fruit fly is also available at www.dpip we.tas.gov.au