One new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared called Glossop B, and no outbreak area boundaries were extended in the Riverland from 10–23 October 2023.
The total number of outbreaks is now 45. Restrictions remain in place in existing outbreak and suspension areas.
Growers and residents are urged to search their address on the interactive fruit fly outbreak map to understand the restrictions now in place within the new 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension area.
PIRSA staff are continuing to visit all 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.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Paul Dowsett said that this was a case of fruit fly larvae being found in citrus.
"While it’s unfortunate to find larvae, it's great that it was caught before it transformed into pupae – this wipes out an entire branch of fruit fly descendants," said Mr Dowsett.
"If anyone even slightly suspects that they’ve found larvae or flies, please report it, as this information is so crucial in the fight against fruit fly," he said.
He also said he's appreciative of all calls to the Fruit Fly Hotline, which help prevent fruit fly from spreading.
"I urge growers as well as residents to keep calling 1300 666 010 if you suspect fruit fly," said Mr Dowsett.
"If you’re a grower now in a red outbreak area, please contact us to register for our self-baiting program to protect your crops," he said.
He thanked the Riverland community for working closely with PIRSA, and allowing fruit fly staff access to properties if needed so they could do their work quickly and efficiently.
Riverland residents and growers can help stop fruit fly from breeding by picking ripe fruit and collecting fallen fruit.
To learn more about reducing the risk of outbreaks, visit https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-restrictions for details.
New outbreak areas
| Outbreak area | Maggots / flies discovered in… | Declaration date |
|---|---|---|
| Glossop B | Maggots discovered in an orange | 19 October 2023 |
- The new Glossop B outbreak does not extend beyond the current suspension areas.
New extensions to existing outbreak areas
- No new extensions.
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries.
Search your address on the interactive 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 includes:
| Outbreak area | Current fortnight | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for more than 12 weeks | 14 | 15 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 31 | 29 |
| TOTAL OUTBREAKS | 45 | 44 |
Table above includes Glossop B sample detected on 17 October 2023.
The end date for all outbreaks is 6 January 2024, but this may change if more fruit flies are detected.
Sterile insect technology (SIT) is operating at Murtho, Bookpurnong and Wonuarra.
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 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.
