A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak was declared, and one outbreak area boundary has been extended in the Riverland from 29 August – 11 September 2023.
Growers and residents are urged to search their address on the interactive outbreak map to understand the restrictions now in place within the new 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension area.
PIRSA fruit fly officers will be visiting properties in the new outbreak area to provide advice, as well as apply bait and check for signs of fruit fly in fruit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Paul Dowsett said all growers and residents in the outbreak area will be receiving information from PIRSA, detailing what part they need to play in preventing its spread.
"Fruit fly is a posing a real risk to locally grown fruit – both commercially and in your backyard. Riverland growers and residents, please follow the fruit movement restrictions in the affected fruit fly areas," said Mr Dowsett.
"Prune your trees and keep cleaning up any fallen fruit to lower the chance of fruit fly successfully breeding, especially as the weather warms up and flies become more active.
"We are calling upon our Riverland community to work closely with us and allow PIRSA fruit fly staff access to your property so they can do their work quickly and efficiently.”
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said that everyone needs to play their part to prevent fruit fly from spreading.
"I urge growers as well as residents, particularly those in or near fruit fly affected areas, to follow fruit fly prevention actions and call 1300 666 010 if you suspect fruit fly. Pick ripe fruit, collect or treat fallen fruit, and prevent opportunities for fruit fly to breed on your block or in your backyard," said Mr Size.
"If you're a grower now in a red outbreak area, I encourage you to contact PIRSA to register your interest in the self-baiting program, to protect your crops and support with eradication."
New outbreak areas
| Outbreak area | Maggots / flies discovered in… | Declaration date |
|---|---|---|
| Cooltong C | Gravid female fruit fly discovered in a monitoring trap | 07/09/2023 |
New extensions to existing outbreak areas
- Chaffey B
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries. Search your address on the fruit fly interactive map at fruitfly.sa.gov.au to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affects you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school.
Total outbreak breakdown
| Outbreak area | Current fortnight | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for more than 12weeks | 17 | 20 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 27 | 23 |
| TOTAL OUTBREAKS | 44 | 43 |
The end date for all outbreaks is 25 December 2023, but this may change if more fruit flies are detected.
The Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) is operating at Lindsay Point, Murtho, Pike River and Pike River West.
If you're feeling overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) support mentors can help. FaB mentors are local Riverland people who can support you through this challenging time.
Our FaB mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672) and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). You can have a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation with them in person, or by phone.
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 1300 666 010.
