Millions of sterile flies produced at the National Sterile Insect Technology facility will be released at Loxton for the first time this week in a bid to eradicate the Queensland fruit fly.
The release is part of the SIT plus program, a nation-wide partnership that aims to assist in eradication of Q-fly outbreaks across Australia.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the release of sterile Queensland fruit flies in the outbreak area was a key tool in eradicating the pest from Loxton.
“The use of SIT fruit flies in outbreaks in SA has proven highly successful and this week’s release in the Riverland is a shot across the bow of Queensland Fruit Fly in the region," Mr Whetstone said.
“The release of the sterile flies will occur over several weeks and they will mate with any remaining wild fruit flies to help eradicate them.
The eradication response involving SIT, hygiene and baiting operations is regarded as the best method for effective fruit fly eradication.
The Loxton quarantine zone will be lifted on 29 April 2019 without any further detections.