Fruit fly outbreak declared in Blair Athol

A Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Blair Athol in SA after the discovery of the pest in a backyard apricot tree.

A resident discovered fruit fly larvae in her Blair Athol backyard and reported the find to the fruit fly hotline. The larvae was confirmed by authorities as Med-fly on 16 December 2019.

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) immediately commenced an eradication program to eliminate any fruit flies from the outbreak area and nearby surrounds, ensuring the pest does not spread.

PIRSA Biosecurity SA Manager Plant Health Operations Nick Secomb praised the resident who quickly informed PIRSA of the detection.

“I commend the resident for reporting the suspect fruit fly larvae to PIRSA as it enables Biosecurity SA to get straight on the ground to respond,” said Mr Secomb.

“We have staff now baiting and undertaking hygiene operations in the area to ensure any fallen fruit is removed from the outbreak area.

“The State [SA] Government takes fruit fly seriously and it’s a timely reminder these holidays especially to make sure you don’t travel back to South Australia with fruit and vegetables.

“It is important to remember this outbreak does not affect South Australia’s fruit fly free status.

“Home gardeners should also be vigilant in checking their fruit trees and removing any fallen fruit from the ground, as this material has the potential to become a fruit fly host.

“The eradication program involves a combination of baiting and hygiene operations, within the 1.5 km outbreak area. Suburbs within the outbreak area include: Blair Athol, Prospect, Broadview, Kilburn, Clearview, Enfield and Gepps Cross.

At this stage, if no further wild flies or larvae are detected, it is anticipated the quarantine zone in Blair Athol will be lifted on 9 March 2020.

More information, including detailed maps is available from pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly

Acknowledgement: reproduced from an article by Primary Industries and Regions SA