A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Pike River West, following the detection of maggots in backyard fruit.
Staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions are on the ground in the newly established 1.5km red outbreak area working with the affected property to eradicate the pest.
The new outbreak area sits within the existing Pike River and Renmark West suspension areas, extending the boundary and the outbreak release date to November 16
Fruit Fly Response general manager Nick Secomb reminded all residents living within Riverland red outbreak areas to do the right thing to support the eradication program.
"Our teams in orange overalls have been working directly with the property in the new red outbreak area to apply insecticide at the detection site, deploy further traps and check fruit for signs of fruit fly," he said.
"This is a good reminder to all residents living around Pike River and Renmark West to promptly pick any ripe home-grown fruit and vegetables that are at risk from fruit fly - for example apples, pears, limes, strawberries, and stone fruit.
"Collect any fallen fruit and put it in your green bin - do not compost it. Clearing up fruit this way is critical to break the fruit fly life cycle, because any maggots in fallen fruit will dig into the ground to transform into flies.
"Keep fruit and vegetables on your property and don't share, sell or give them away. Check on the fruit fly website to learn what fruit and vegetables are at risk.
"These restrictions are an essential tactic, in combination with the work of our field teams, to protect South Australia's $1.3 billion horticulture industry at risk from fruit fly and the tens of thousands of jobs it represents."
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Industry fruit movement restrictions are in place for the Pike River West, Pike River and Renmark West red 1.5 km outbreak and yellow 15 km suspension areas.
All host material must be treated and certified before leaving an outbreak area unless alternative approval from PIRSA has been provided. Contact the Industry Hotline on 1800 255 556.
Primary producer affected by the fruit fly outbreaks who are feeling overwhelmed are urged to seek free advice and support via the Family and Business Support program on 1800 931 314 or visit pir.sa.gov.au/fabs
Outbreak restrictions will remain in place until November 16, if no further wild flies or larvae are detected.
For more information visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au
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