A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Murtho after maggots were found in backyard apples.
The maggots were detected by PIRSA field staff outside the existing Murtho and Murtho B outbreak areas, causing a new outbreak area called Murtho C.
Restrictions are now in place in the Murtho C 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.
PIRSA General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said residents and growers with summer and autumn fruits need to be alert for signs of fruit fly and do all they can to prevent fruit flies breeding.
"If you grow fruits like late season peaches and plums, or autumn fruits like apples, pears, pomegranates and citrus like mandarins, persimmon, limes and oranges, these will all start coming into season so now is the time to be alert and pick fruit off the tree as soon as it ripens," said Mr Secomb.
"Removing fruit from the tree and the ground is critical in breaking the fruit fly lifecycle – it removes the opportunity for fruit fly to sting it and lay eggs, or if eggs have already been laid it prevents maggots from digging into the ground and developing into flies.
"Search your address on the fruit fly interactive map at fruitfly.sa.gov.au to see how the Murtho C 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 other fruit and vegetables are at risk.
"PIRSA staff will be visiting on properties within the Murtho C red outbreak area to collect any fallen fruit off the ground, check fruit on trees for maggots, apply bait and deploy traps."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said growers need to be aware restrictions are now in place in the Murtho C outbreak area.
"All host fruit must be treated and certified before leaving the Murtho C 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. It is free informal, confidential and independent conversation with a local Riverland mentor – by phone, or in person.
Growers can learn more at Family and Business 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 visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.