Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts are ongoing in Papatoetoe, Auckland, after an Oriental fruit fly was detected in a surveillance trap. Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north, reported that over 100 additional traps have been deployed in the vicinity, with all traps inspected showing no further evidence of fruit fly presence. The mobile laboratory team in Auckland is rigorously examining produce from Zones A and B, with over 100kg of fruit analyzed without detecting any larvae or eggs. This absence of larvae or eggs is seen as indicative that a breeding population has not been established.
The local community and sector groups have played a crucial role in the response efforts, with more than 500 properties surveyed to assess the fruit grown. The team is actively engaging with residents, and businesses, and attending local markets to disseminate information about the situation. The extensive response involves over 150 personnel, leveraging protocols refined through New Zealand's successful eradication of fruit flies on 12 previous occasions.
Source: Inside Government