One new Queensland fruit fly outbreak was declared in Lyrup, called Lyrup B, and one outbreak area boundary was extended in the Riverland from 4 to 18 December 2023.
The total number of outbreaks is now 46 and restrictions remain in place for existing outbreak and suspension areas.
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, visit our outbreak restrictions page for details.
The Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program presented an ‘Ahead of the curve’ industry meeting on Thursday 7 December at the Barmera Function Centre.
Riverland growers and industry heard new information, data and analysis from industry partners and PIRSA representatives including SARDI Senior Research Scientist and Entomologist Dr Katharina Merkel.
The event also included a tour of the Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) rear-out facility at Barmera, where attendees learned about the science behind sterile fruit fly releases in outbreak areas.
The Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program’s new Incident Controller, Con Poulos, said he was glad to connect with the local grower community before the holiday season.
“The excellent local grower attendance at the event demonstrated the industry’s strong commitment to eradicating fruit fly,” Mr Poulos said.
“Everyone present was responsive to the call to arms from industry partners including Citrus SA and Summerfruit SA, focusing on increased homestead hygiene efforts and pausing fruit sharing.”
General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Paul Dowsett, was pleased with the turnout for the event and with the significant milestone for the program.
“Sustaining momentum in a long emergency response like this takes resilience, a super-powered mindset, and a lot of listening to what’s happening on the ground,” Mr Dowsett said.
“We applaud the grower community and local residents for their ongoing commitment to collaborating on the journey to eradication.”
Current SIT releases are occurring at Paringa, Loxton, Lyrup, Kingston on Murray, and Overland Corner until 22 December.
SIT release locations change every six weeks; Riverlanders can check the SIT page to keep up to date on potential activity in their area, and to find out more about the technique of producing sterile flies.
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.
New outbreak areas include:
| Outbreak area | Maggots or flies discovered in: | Declaration date |
|---|---|---|
| Lyrup B | Maggots in apricot and peach | 18 December 2023 |
New extensions to existing outbreak areas include:
- Barmera
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries.
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, and learn what you need to do within the 1.5 km red outbreak area and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
Total outbreak breakdown includes:
| Outbreak area | Current (12 week period, up to 18 December | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for >12 weeks | 21 | 16 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 25 | 29 |
| TOTAL OUTBREAKS | 46 | 45 |
The end date for all outbreaks is currently 8 March 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.
Our FaB mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672), and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). Visit FaB or call the FaB mentors directly.
For more information about the fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit https://www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au/ or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.