A Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Salisbury North. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has declared the outbreak and issued strict quarantine requirements for affected residents.
PIRSA’s surveillance activities detected six Queensland fruit flies in traps, triggering the declaration.
Residents in Salisbury North and nearby areas are urged to adhere to quarantine protocols outlined by PIRSA, including the containment of fresh fruits and vegetables on their properties. A comprehensive outbreak map is available on fruitfly.sa.gov.au to help residents ascertain if they fall within the affected zone.
Identifiable by their distinctive orange overalls, PIRSA staff have begun household visits. These staff members are tasked with applying organic bait to foliage and conducting thorough inspections for signs of fruit fly infestation, such as maggots in fruits.
Nick Secomb, PIRSA’s Director of Plant and Invasive Species Biosecurity, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combatting the outbreak.
“Proven control methods offer hope for successful eradication,” stated Mr. Secomb. However, he stressed the critical role residents play in adhering to quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of the pest.
“Movement of fruit poses a significant risk of spreading the pest,” Mr. Secomb said.
He advised residents within the 1.5km Outbreak Area to refrain from moving any fresh fruits or fruiting vegetables, including sharing them with family, neighbours, or selling them online. Additionally, he urged residents to inspect fruit trees for signs of infestation and report any anomalies to the Fruit Fly Hotline.
As autumn approaches, cooler weather may temper fruit fly activity, but Mr. Secomb warned that it would not halt it entirely. Fruit flies exhibit an ‘overwintering’ practice, slowing their life cycle during cooler temperatures and resuming activity as the weather warms. To disrupt the fruit fly life cycle, Mr. Secomb recommended maintaining tidy gardens, promptly disposing of fallen fruit, and removing unwanted fruit from trees.
PIRSA’s response strategy includes deploying organic bait and conducting fruit inspections in the outbreak area. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program is also under consideration to further combat the infestation.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Secomb expressed confidence in the community’s cooperation and emphasised the importance of access to residents’ yards for effective control measures.
Should no further wild flies or larvae be detected, PIRSA anticipates lifting the quarantine in Salisbury North later this year, signalling a successful eradication effort.
Please visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-restrictions/red-area to learn more about quarantine
requirements.
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