A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Winkie after maggots were found in plums on a non-commercial orchard.
Restrictions are now in place in the Winkie outbreak area. 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.
The new red outbreak area sits within the existing Glossop and Berri yellow suspension areas, creating extensions to the boundary resulting in changes for some residents and growers.
PIRSA General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said PIRSA staff are now contacting residents and growers in the new Winkie outbreak area as part of the fruit fly eradication program.
"PRISA staff will be undertaking hygiene and technical check on properties within the outbreak areas – that means collecting fallen fruit off the ground, and systematically checking fruit on trees for maggots," Mr Secomb said.
"Residents are encouraged to search their address on the fruit fly website interactive map to see how the fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school.
"If you are in a red outbreak area, please keep your fruit and vegetables on your property and don’t share, sell or give them away. Check on the fruit fly website to learn what fruit and vegetables are at risk.
"Pick ripe and collect fallen fruit, seal it in a bag and call the Fruit Fly hotline for disposal advice – do not compost or bury it. Clearing up fruit this way is critical in breaking the fruit fly life cycle, because any maggots in fallen fruit will dig into the ground to develop into flies."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said growers should check what they need to do.
"Growers need to be aware that there are now restrictions in place for the movement of their commercially grown fruit in the Winkie outbreak area. All host fruit must be treated and certified before leaving the Winkie outbreak area," said Mr Size.
"If you are a grower in the new outbreak area go to the fruit fly website and you’ll find lots of useful information about the restrictions now in place and what you need to do."
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, contact a Family and Business Support (FaBS) mentor for a free informal, confidential and independent conversation with a local Riverland mentor – by phone or in person: 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 1300 666 010.