Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Kate Scott noted growers might express concern regarding the Oriental fruit fly discovery in Birkdale, Auckland's North Shore. "Growers will be concerned, as the Oriental fruit fly poses a significant risk to horticulture, with its larvae capable of feeding on more than 300 types of fruit and vegetables," Scott mentioned to Rural News. She emphasized New Zealand's robust biosecurity measures, highlighting the swift response to the detection as evidence of an effective system.
Scott stated, "Vigilance, surveillance, and containment efforts remain essential to protecting the horticulture sector." The fruit fly was detected in a suburban backyard, following a similar find in Papatoetoe in January. However, Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand's commissioner, north, clarified that genetic testing confirmed these instances are unrelated despite being the same species.
In 2019, Biosecurity New Zealand addressed fruit fly detections in three Auckland suburbs. Following the recent detection, trapping in Birkdale increased with daily checks in the 200-meter zone around the initial find. Additional checks occur within a second zone extending to 1,500 meters. Legal controls on fruit and vegetable movement in Birkdale and nearby suburbs are enforced.
Inglis expressed gratitude, saying, "Biosecurity New Zealand thanks the local community in Birkdale and neighboring areas for their efforts to date and their support of the important work underway." He also noted a positive response from local businesses and residents regarding movement rules. MPI indicated this marks the fourteenth fruit fly incursion in New Zealand, all previously eradicated.
Source: Rural News