An outbreak of Queensland fruit fly in Glynde, a suburb in Adelaide's northeast, has prompted the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to enforce quarantine measures and delineate specific areas for containment. Following the discovery of fruit fly maggots in locally grown peaches, a red outbreak zone of a 1.5km radius and a yellow outbreak zone covering a 15km area have been established.
PIRSA is urging residents within these zones to contain all home-grown produce within their premises to prevent the spread of the pest. The agency's staff, recognizable in orange overalls, will be conducting community interventions, including organic bait application and produce inspections. Con Poulos, PIRSA's Acting Director of Biosecurity Operations, emphasizes the critical role of community cooperation in the eradication efforts, urging residents not to move any fresh produce outside their properties and to allow staff access to control measures.
The movement of affected produce is a known vector for fruit fly spread, prompting strict guidelines on fruit transport within the designated zones. Poulos reassures that supermarket-bought produce is safe for transport and consumption outside the home. He also advises residents to monitor their fruit for signs of infestation and utilize green waste bins for disposal of compromised fruit.
As part of its long-term management strategies, PIRSA is considering the implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique in the area, a method previously successful in controlling fruit fly populations elsewhere. The quarantine measures will remain effective until no further detections of fruit flies or larvae are made in Glynde, with hopes for restriction lift later in the year.
Source: Glam Adelaide