An outbreak of Queensland fruit fly has been detected in Renmark West following the discovery of larvae in backyard fruit trees.
A 15-kilometre suspension area has been established around the detection point and quarantine restrictions apply either partially or entirely in the following areas – Berri, Calperum Station, Chaffey, Cooltong, Crescent, Gurra, Gurra, Lyrup, Monash, Mundic Creek, Murtho, Old Calperum, Paringa, Pike River, Renmark, Renmark North, Renmark South, Renmark West, Wonuarra and Yamba.
In addition, a 1.5-kilometre outbreak area has been set up covering parts of Renmark West, Renmark South, Renmark and Crescent.
This outbreak has no impact on the fruit fly free status for the rest of the Riverland Pest Free Area or the State.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the State Government has immediately commenced an eradication program to eliminate fruit flies from the outbreak area and nearby surrounds.
"We are leaving no stone unturned to protect our $1.3 billion fruit fly vulnerable horticulture industry," Minister Basham said.
"All available resources are being targeted into Renmark and the existing metropolitan Adelaide outbreaks to ensure the eradication of fruit flies from all areas. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions staff are in the Riverland now applying organic bait and removing fruit and vegetables from properties in the affected area.
"Information is being distributed now to locals about the outbreak, and how people can help. We are working closely with the horticulture growers in the Riverland, particularly about the movement restrictions now imposed.
"If you have any questions about the outbreak, or what you need to do, please call the Fruit Fly Hotline – 1300 666 010."
If you are in the quarantine area, please help us eradicate the pest by:
- Not moving fruit or vegetables off your property (or giving it away)
- Clean your backyard of all ripe fruit or fruiting vegetables and those lying on the ground
- PIRSA will provide green waste management in the quarantine area. Dispose of all ripe /rotten fruit or vegetables, through this green waste program (including produce purchased from a shop). Do not compost in your backyard.
- If you find maggots in your fruit or vegetables – please call the 24hr Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010
- Do not keep backyard fruit trees unless you are actively managing them.
At this stage, if no further wild flies or larvae are detected it is anticipated the quarantine zone for the Renmark fruit fly outbreak will remain in place until at least 15 March 2021.
For more information, including detailed maps of the Renmark and metropolitan Adelaide outbreak areas, quarantine zones and suspension areas are available from www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly
