Riverland residents are reminded to check their homegrown stone fruits for signs of fruit fly with another two fruit fly outbreaks declared today.
Queensland fruit fly maggots have been found in backyard apricots and plums causing new outbreaks in Berri and Bookpurnong respectively. This follows the detection of maggots in apricots triggering the Monash B, Renmark and Renmark West recent outbreak area extensions.
Residents in Berri and Bookpurnong, as well as residents in areas affected by outbreak extensions, can search their address on the interactive fruit fly outbreak map to learn how they’re affected by restrictions and what they need to do.
Fruit Fly Response General Manager Nick Secomb for the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) commends the Riverland community for continuing to check their backyard fruit and reporting to PIRSA when they suspect fruit fly.
"As we know, the warmer weather will inevitably mean more cases of fruit fly so it is good to see community members reporting suspected fruit fly to PIRSA so our field teams can respond to the outbreaks quickly," said Mr Secomb.
"Everyone needs to play their part in not letting fruit fly under the radar – it’s really important everyone with a fruit tree follows the four simple steps: pick ripe fruit promptly, collect fallen fruit off the ground, check your fruit for signs of fruit fly, call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if you suspect anything."
Residents and businesses in the new Berri and Bookpurnong outbreak area will be receiving information from PIRSA about the outbreaks and associated 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.
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Jason Size said he is confident that we will keep on top of the outbreak with both the community and industry together playing their part.
"From experience, we are aware that at this time of year there are more fruit fly outbreaks. It is good to see the community reporting suspected cases and PIRSA quickly reacting with eradication," said Mr Size.
"As the outbreak numbers increase over the summer period the community is encouraged to keep reporting so we can respond as quickly as possible."
"PIRSA’s self-baiting program also needs more growers signing up which will greatly help our chances of stopping new hotspots from occurring. If you’re a grower in a red outbreak area, please contact PIRSA to register your interest."
Primary producers impacted by current 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 go to fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.