Two new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks have been declared in Loxton North following the detection of pregnant female fruit flies in monitoring traps.
The detections have been made outside the existing Loxton North outbreak area so they constitute new fruit fly outbreaks. The original Loxton North outbreak area is now being called Loxton North A, and the new outbreaks are named Loxton North B and Loxton North C. Localities impacted by the new outbreaks are Loxton and Loxton North.
In addition, the Waikerie fruit fly red outbreak area has been extended to the north and west after Queensland fruit fly maggots were detected in backyard fruit.
Fruit fly officers in orange overalls from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will be applying organic bait and checking fruit in the newly affected areas and continuing their work in all other outbreak areas.
General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said the detections are a stark reminder to everyone in the Riverland region to clean up their backyards and orchards.
"Fruit fly is posing a real risk to locally grown fruit – both commercially and in your back yard. Riverland residents, please clean up your gardens urgently, and please follow the fruit movement restrictions in the affected fruit fly areas," said Mr Secomb.
"Fruit fly thrive on ripe fruit – pick your fruit as soon as it's ripe and collect any rotten or fallen fruit off the ground – do not compost or bury it.
"Please give fruit fly officers access to your property so they can do their work quickly and efficiently. Special waste arrangements are in place so check waste advice on the fruit fly website or call the Fruit Fly Hotline."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said that everyone needs to play their part to prevent fruit fly from spreading.
"Growers are doing the right thing on their properties, and we need everyone to do the same at home.
"With citrus season beginning now, fruit is coming off the trees but worker shortages mean you may see more fruit on the ground than normal – growers know to treat that with chemicals and mulch it to destroy any flies or larvae.
"If you're a grower, call PIRSA's industry hotline on 1800 255 556 for advice on fruit fly restrictions and requirements."
Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the State Government's free Family and Business (FaB) support program. Find a FaB by calling the PIRSA Recovery Hotline 1800 931 314 or visit pir.sa.gov.au/fabs
The outbreak end dates are in December 2022 and may change with more detections. To see if you are affected, check the map at www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au