A SECOND Qld fruit fly outbreak has been detected in the Riverland, with larvae discovered at Monash.
A 1.5-kilometre outbreak area has been set up covering parts of Monash and Glossop with a further 15km suspension area established around the detection point with quarantine restrictions to apply in a number of towns.
It follows on from the recent discovery in West Renmark, with the fruit fly-free status temporarily suspended in both Suspension Areas.
But this is not expected to impact the fruit fly-free status for the remaining Riverland Pest Free Area or SA at large.
PIRSA Biosecurity executive director Nathan Rhodes said the department had immediately begun its eradication program to eliminate fruit flies from the region.
"Following last week's Qld fruit fly detection at Renmark West, all available resources are being targeted into both the Monash and Renmark West outbreak areas along with the continuing response to the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Metropolitan Adelaide," he said.
"We are working to ensure the eradication of fruit flies from all areas in order to protect our $1.3 billion fruit fly vulnerable horticulture industry.
"Department staff are in the Riverland are now applying organic bait and removing fruit and vegetables from properties in the affected area.
"Information is also being distributed to locals in affected areas about the outbreak, and how people can help."
RELATED: Qfly outbreak declared in Riverland
Mr Rhodes said staff were working closely with horticulture growers in the Riverland, particularly about the movement restrictions now imposed, given the area has been extended.
The affected area includes parts of Barmera, Berri, Bookpurnong, Bugle Hut, Calperum Station, Cobdogla, Gerard, Glossop, Gurra Gurra, Hawks Nest Station, Katarapko, Kingston on Murray, Loveday, Lyrup, Monash, Moorook, Old Calperum, Overland Corner, Pike River, Renmark South, Renmark West, Spectacle Lake and Winkie.
Residents are urged to clean their backyard of any ripe fruit or fruit vegetables and not move fruit of vegetables off their property.
Fruit and vegetables can be disposed through the green waste program.
For more information or to report any maggots in fruit or vegetables, call the Fruit Fly Hotline - 1300 666 010.
Commercial enquiries can be directed to 1800 255 556.
At this stage, if no further wild flies or larvae are detected it is anticipated the quarantine zone for the Monash fruit fly outbreak will remain in place until at least March 22.
The Renmark quarantine arrangements are in place until at least March 15.
The current end date for all Metropolitan Adelaide outbreaks is March 3.
- Details: More information, including detailed maps of the Monash, Renmark and metropolitan Adelaide outbreak areas, quarantine zones and suspension areas are available from pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
