Biosecurity SA has declared a fruit fly outbreak following the detection of Mediterranean fruit fly in permanent traps in two suburbs in Adelaide’s north-west, Salisbury Downs and Parafield Gardens.

This is South Australia’s third fruit fly outbreak this year, following detections in Ottoway and Ethelton, in the western suburbs.

Biosecurity SA’s Manager Plant and Food Standards, Geoff Raven, said that due to the close proximity of Salisbury Downs and Parafield Gardens, the detections have been combined into one fruit fly outbreak response.

“It is both disappointing and frustrating to declare a third outbreak in less than a month,” Mr Raven said.

“It is particularly important that people not only within the quarantine areas, but across the State, comply with quarantine regulations and understand their responsibilities in helping keep SA fruit fly free.

“An outbreak is usually sparked by people travelling with maggot-infested, fresh produce from interstate; either a member of the public, or through a commercial consignment of fruit or vegetables.

“These actions could jeopardise markets for our $600 million fresh fruit and vegetable industry, if, as a result, fruit fly becomes established in South Australia.”

Biosecurity SA has declared a 1.5 kilometre quarantine area around both detection sites, covering the suburbs of Salisbury Downs and Parafield Gardens. All affected residents will receive a leaflet confirming their property is within the quarantine area. Some supplementary traps have already been installed to boost fruit fly surveillance.

Mr Raven said an organic bait spotting program would be undertaken and the eradication response would continue for 10 to 12 weeks after the last “wild” flies or infestations were found, subject to weather conditions. The use of sterile fruit flies may also be used.

“People within the quarantine zones must not remove fresh fruit, fruiting vegetables or garden waste from their properties, or compost fruit and vegetables, during the eradication program,” he said. “However, fruit and vegetable waste can be placed in green bins as usual.

“Home grown fruit and fruiting vegetables can only be removed from the quarantine area if it has been cooked or processed. This includes tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, eggplant, stone fruits, pome fruits, citrus, loquats and table grapes. These are potential hosts for the pest and the movement of fruit and vegetables during the quarantine period could start new outbreaks.

“By helping keep SA fruit fly free you are also protecting your own backyard and enjoying home grown fruit that does not have fruit fly maggots in it; a luxury other states would envy.”
Householders and property owners in the quarantine zone are asked to provide Biosecurity SA’s fruit fly eradication teams with access to their properties, to check their backyard fruit and vegetables. 

Any maggots found in fruit or vegetables can be reported to the 24-hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

For more information visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly