News

New Queensland fruit fly outbreaks declared in Overland Corner and Murtho

Friday 27 January 2023

Queensland fruit fly maggots have been found in a backyard nectarine in Overland Corner as well as a backyard peach in Murtho (called Murtho B) triggering two new outbreaks.


Restrictions are now in place in the Overland Corner and Murtho B outbreak areas. Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff will be visiting all properties within the new 1.5 km red outbreak area to inspect yards and provide residents with information about what they need to do.

PIRSA General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said the latest two outbreaks were detected due to a report to the Fruit Fly Hotline and during a routine PIRSA backyard fruit hygiene check.

"We now have 25 fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland, and while our treatments at identified hotspots are having an effect, we are concerned that we continue to find new outbreak triggers in new areas. This can however be attributed to an increased level of surveillance, including from community members," said Mr Secomb.

"We are seeing community members taking action and contacting our Hotline if they suspect fruit fly in their home-grown fruit – and this is to be commended.

"Our field teams are also working vigilantly across Riverland backyards continuing to check fruit for signs of the pest, with help from our detector dogs.

"With both the Riverland community and PIRSA working together we can continue to identify and treat the many fruit fly outbreaks we expected to occur during the warmer months.

"I ask all Riverland residents to keep up the good work - pick, collect, check and call if you suspect fruit fly."

Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Jason Size calls on commercial fruit growers to get involved with the self-baiting program.

"The Riverland community needs you to play your part in fruit fly eradication. If you are a grower in a red outbreak area, please sign up to the grower self-baiting program. It was disappointing to see in an article recently on fruit being left to drop and unmanaged. If we all don’t do our part, it will be harder for us to manage this in the long run," said Mr Size.

"For everyone, if fruit trees and unwanted fruit is unmanaged, fruit fly could become uncontrolled. With this, no one will be able to grow fruit or fruiting vegetables in their home garden without using lots of chemicals or expensive netting covers.

"I encourage growers who are feeling overwhelmed and not sure on where to start in dealing with fruit fly to reach out to a local Family and Business (FaB) mentor for free, confidential support and advice."

Growers can learn more at Family and business (FaB) mentors 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.

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