Biosecurity New Zealand has implemented legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Auckland's North Shore suburb of Birkdale following the detection of a single male Oriental fruit fly in a surveillance trap. This is the second occurrence this year, with a prior detection in South Auckland's Papatoetoe in January.
While no breeding population has been confirmed, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing its investigation and increasing trapping efforts to mitigate potential spread. Commissioner Mike Inglis stated, "Our scientific team is conducting genetic testing, but so far, there is no indication of an established breeding population." The Oriental fruit fly poses a threat to New Zealand's horticulture industry, as its maggots can feed on over 300 types of fruit and vegetables, including apples, guavas, mangoes, peaches, and pears. It poses no risk to human health but could impact the country's fruit and vegetable sectors if uncontrolled.
In response, Biosecurity New Zealand has launched a targeted trapping program, deploying approximately 100 additional traps within a 1,500-meter radius of the detection site. This follows an operation in Papatoetoe, where no further fruit fly activity was observed, enabling the lifting of restrictions after weeks of monitoring.
To prevent the pest's spread, legal controls have been established in Birkdale and nearby areas, forming two controlled zones. Zone A, encompassing 200 meters around the detection site, restricts the movement of all whole fresh fruits and vegetables—except leafy greens and soil-free root vegetables—outside the area. Compost and green waste must remain within Zone A, and residents are discouraged from composting fruit and vegetable waste. Biosecurity New Zealand will provide disposal bins for affected households.
Zone B extends to a 1,500-meter radius from the detection site. Locally grown fruit and vegetables cannot be moved outside this zone, although store-bought produce can be transported, and garden waste must be disposed of in designated Biosecurity New Zealand bins.
While concerning, Inglis noted that such detections are not unprecedented. In 2019, multiple Oriental fruit fly detections across three Auckland suburbs were contained and eradicated. "This highlights the strength of New Zealand's biosecurity system and the effectiveness of our surveillance efforts," Inglis said.
Current restrictions are expected to last at least two weeks, during which additional inspections and daily checks will occur within Zone A, with inspections every three days in Zone B. More than 700 traps are already in place across the North Shore.
Biosecurity New Zealand is collaborating with the horticultural industry and local communities to manage the situation. Residents are urged to comply with restrictions to protect New Zealand's horticultural industries, home gardens, and ecosystems.
Suspected fruit fly infestations should be reported to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Pest and Diseases Hotline at 0800 80 99 66.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries (Article 1)
Source: RNZ (Article 2)
Source: RNZ (Article 3)