No new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks have been declared, and the total number of outbreaks since January remains 48. It is important to note 25 of these declared outbreaks have not had a detection in more than 12 weeks and some of these not for over a year. New extensions to existing outbreak areas include Barmera, Berri A, and Monash North.
Incident Controller for the Fruit Fly Response with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Con Poulos, said that the response team is asking Riverlanders once again to pay attention to their homegrown fruit, especially in the Berri, Barmera, Loveday and Renmark areas.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing increased fruit fly activity in the Berri, Barmera, Loveday and Renmark areas right now. They currently have more detections than other Riverland areas, however we’re actively increasing measures to control them, and we are mailing residents and businesses in those areas this week to draw attention to this," said Mr Poulos.
"We’re grateful that Riverlanders have been working really hard with us for a long time to fight against Queensland fruit fly; we understand the outbreaks are draining the community’s energy, resources, and time, and I want to remind Riverlanders that PIRSA’s commitment to eradicating these ongoing outbreaks isn’t flagging.
"Our message to Riverlanders is 'You are part of the solution'. Together, our combined power can get outbreaks under control.
"Picking fruit off your tree and removing fallen fruit from the ground quickly can stop fruit fly laying eggs, and stop maggots entering the soil to then emerge as flies. Don’t put it in your compost – bag it and bin it. These simple actions can stop fruit fly in its tracks.
"If you suspect fruit fly in your garden, or have any questions, please call our Hotline on 1300 666 010."
Current sterile fly (SIT) releases are occurring at Kingston on Murray, New Residence, Pyap, and Waikerie from 8 January until 18 February. From 19 February SIT releases will occur at Swan Reach, Cadell, Sunlands, and Monash North; PIRSA teams have been baiting in those areas for some weeks in preparation so the SIT release can be most effective.
SIT release locations change every six weeks; Riverlanders can check Sterile insect technique (SIT) to keep up to date on potential activity in their area.
See Outbreak restrictions to learn more about reducing the risk of outbreaks.
New outbreak areas
- Nil
New extensions to existing outbreak areas
- Barmera
- Berri A
- Monash North.
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries.
Search your address on the fruit fly outbreak 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
| Outbreak area | This fortnight | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for more than 12 weeks | 25 | 25 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 23 | 23 |
| TOTAL OUTBREAKS | 48 | 48 |
The end date for all outbreaks is currently 1 May 2024, but may change if more fruit flies are detected.
The outbreak end date depends on no fruit flies being detected in red outbreak or yellow suspension areas for at least 12 weeks.
Fruit fly eradication activities and restrictions on fruit movement in the Riverland will likely need to continue beyond the outbreak end date due to the complexity of the Riverland outbreaks, and to ensure area freedom requirements are met.
See Outbreaks explained for more information.
Feeling overwhelmed?
If you feel overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) 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).
For more information about fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.