Riverland residents are being urged to check their homegrown fruit, while travellers heading into the region or returning back from interstate this Christmas are reminded to abide by fruit fly restrictions with another Queensland fruit fly outbreak declared in the Riverland.
The latest outbreak – Murtho D – follows the detection of maggots in backyard apricots and is the second outbreak this week following the declaration of another outbreak - Lyrup B- earlier this week, bringing a total of 47 outbreaks in the Riverland.
Residents and businesses in the new Murtho D outbreak area will be receiving information from PIRSA about the outbreak and its 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. Residents should search their address on the outbreak map to learn how they’re affected by restrictions and what they need to do.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions' (PIRSA) Fruit Fly Response Program Incident Controller, Con Poulos said with the warmer weather making fruit fly more active it is more important than ever that travellers and residents do the right thing.
"Everyone needs to play a part in protecting the Riverland and the state from fruit fly and it is important that travellers are aware of their role by being aware and abiding by the restrictions or else face a $414 fine," he said.
"The best advice is to not pack any fruit and vegetables and shop for local produce instead when you reach your destination. So before you hit the road visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au for a full list of restricted fruit and vegetables and to check out the suggestions for alternative and safe travel snacks to consider for your journeys.
"It is also important that residents keep an eye on their home-grown fruit which can be done by following these four simple steps – picking ripe fruit promptly, collecting fallen fruit off the ground, checking your fruit for signs of fruit fly and calling the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if you suspect anything.
"We were able to get onto this hotspot at Murtho rapidly as residents called the hotline when they suspected fruit fly in their garden. This is a good example how by coming together as a community and being proactive we can keep up the pressure to eradicate."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Jason Size said that while PIRSA's various teams get on with their different tasks to combat the outbreaks – baiting, checking properties for signs of fruit fly, and also maintaining the network of traps across the region – it's essential that every Riverlander and traveller to the region help too.
"The Riverland is a big region with a lot of fruit trees, and anyone who wants fruit fly gone needs to do their bit to help eradicate these outbreaks," said Mr Size.
"If you are travelling into the area or returning back to South Australia these holidays, don't let fruit fly hitch a ride with you.
"If you are a resident in an outbreak area, not moving fruit from your property is the first basic step to stop flies spreading. Keeping your fruit trees and the ground clear of fruit is another. If you're a commercial grower, contact PIRSA to get free bait – PIRSA is offering four options to suit growers and their individual circumstances. See Self-baiting program to register."
Primary producers impacted by fruit fly outbreaks or flood are encouraged to contact the free Family and Business (FaB) support program or call a Riverland FaB directly: Robyn Cain 0411 633 085; John Chase 0419 848 672; Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430.
For the most up to date outbreak advice and other information visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.