No new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks were declared, and no outbreak area boundaries were extended in the Riverland from 20 November to 4 December 2023.
The total number of outbreaks remains at 45 and restrictions remain in place for existing outbreak and suspension areas.
The Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program will present an 'Ahead of the Curve' industry meeting on Thursday 7 December at the Barmera Function Centre.
Riverland growers and industry are invited to attend the event for an update on fruit fly outbreak trends and predictions in preparation for 2024, using data and analysis from PIRSA's Riverland trapping grid.
Attendees will need to RSVP for the event.
The Fruit Fly Response Program's new Incident Controller, Con Poulos, was enthusiastic about being able to share presentations from SARDI Senior Research Scientist and Entomologist Dr Katharina Merkel, and PIRSA industry partners.
'We’re sharing this fruit fly data with industry to increase awareness of our predictions for 2024, and identify where our collective efforts can achieve greater impact,' Mr Poulos said.
'This data analysis will bolster our chances of lowering the outbreak data curve, and we'd like industry to join us in grabbing that opportunity with both hands.'
General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Paul Dowsett, said it was important for PIRSA to share fruit fly data with industry to fight back against Riverland outbreaks.
'Our control and prevention measures will stay consistent, but with this information we can all more strategically anticipate and respond to outbreaks,' Mr Dowsett said.
'It's important PIRSA shares what we know with industry, which is living this battle every day, so we can work even more closely together on the challenges we are facing.'
The event will also include a tour of the Barmera Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility, where attendees can learn about the science behind sterile fly releases in outbreak areas.
Current SIT releases are occurring at Paringa, Loxton, Lyrup, Kingston on Murray, and Overland Corner until 17 December.
SIT release locations change every 6 weeks and Riverlanders can check fruitfly.sa.gov.au/sit to keep up to date on potential activity in their area.
PIRSA staff are also continuing to visit properties to inspect yards, apply organic bait, check for signs of fruit fly in fruit, and provide residents with information about what they need to do.
Growers and residents are urged to search their address on the interactive fruit fly map to understand the restrictions in place within the 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
To learn more about reducing the risk of outbreaks, outbreak restrictions for details.
Search your address on the fruit fly interactive map to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school. Learn what you need to do within the 1.5 km red outbreak area and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
| Outbreak area | Current (12 week period, up to 26 Nov) | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for >12 weeks | 16 | 17 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 29 | 28 |
| Total outbreaks | 45 | 45 |
The end date for all outbreaks is currently 21 February 2024, but this may change if more fruit flies are detected.
If you feel overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) support mentors can help.
FaB mentors are local Riverlanders who can support you through this challenging time. You can have a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation with them in person, or by phone. Learn more about FaB mentors or call them directly:
- Robyn Cain - 0411 633 085
- John Chase - 0419 848 672
- Brent Fletcher - 0439 409 430
For more information about the fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.