A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Loxton North following the detection of fruit flies in monitoring traps. The detections were just outside of existing outbreak areas at Loxton North, and a new outbreak area has been established and named Loxton North D.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) fruit fly officers in orange overalls will be visiting properties in the outbreak area to apply bait and check for signs of fruit fly in fruit.
PIRSA's Fruit Fly Response General Manager Nick Secomb said the new Loxton North D fruit fly outbreak was declared after 8 male fruit flies were found in monitoring traps in the area near a mandarin orchard.
"There’s been a lot of fruit fly activity surrounding Loxton and Loxton North since Autumn, with five outbreaks now declared in those localities," said Mr Secomb.
"Residents in these outbreaks need to be extra vigilant and pick up fallen fruit to prevent opportunities for fruit fly to breed, especially as the weather warms up and flies become more active.
"Residents who live on larger properties just out of town with a dozen fruit trees or more – your property is highly appealing to fruit flies and many of the Riverland outbreaks have started in this type of domestic garden.
"All residents and businesses within the Loxton North D outbreak areas will be receiving information from PIRSA about the outbreaks and associated quarantine, detailing what part they can play in preventing its spread.
"If you are a resident and grower in Loxton North or Bookpurnong localities, please search your address on the outbreak-map to understand the restrictions now in place within the extended 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension areas."
Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the State Government’s free Family and Business (FaB) support program.
Call a Riverland FaB:
- 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 www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.