An intercepted package in Western Australia containing fresh and dried chillis was found to be infested with Queensland fruit fly larvae, according to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The department emphasized the illegality of mailing uncertified fruits and vegetables into the state.
DPIRD stated, "This is why it's illegal to mail fruit and vegetables into Western Australia without certification." The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 imposes penalties of up to $100,000 and 12 months imprisonment for violations. Residents are advised to consult Quarantine WA for import guidelines.
The discovery follows recent detections of the Queensland fruit fly in Perth's southern suburbs, threatening Western Australia's $1.49 billion horticultural sector. A quarantine area has been established, requiring residents and businesses to remove fruit and fruiting vegetables to mitigate the pest's spread.
DPIRD noted, "We understand that removing all host fruit from your garden is a sacrifice — it is a temporary measure but a powerful one that is designed to limit the risk to your garden in the long term." Residents are instructed to consume or treat fruit by cooking, processing, freezing, or solarising, and dispose of untreated fruit in black plastic bags for general waste.
Trees can remain as effective treatments exist, having eradicated the pest from Perth suburbs nine times since 1989. However, compliance is essential to prevent further infestations.
Source: Yahoo! News