RESTRICTIONS on movement on fruit and vegetables near Loxton are now in place after Qld fruit fly maggots were detected in the area this week, with ongoing restrictions in the Riverland in place until at least mid-November.
The latest red zone is now one of four in the Riverland, with Department of Primary Industries and Regions staff on the ground visiting properties in the new 1.5km outbreak area this week.
Fruit Fly Response general manager Nick Secomb urged residents living within the red outbreak area to do the right thing.
"Our teams in orange overalls are contacting residents with information about what to do now they are in a red outbreak area, and will be regularly applying organic bait to suitable foliage in properties as well as checking fruit for signs of fruit fly," he said.
"If you are in a red outbreak area, please keep your fruit and vegetables on your property and don't share, sell or give them away.
"Search your address on the map on the fruit fly website to check if you're in a red outbreak area."
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Commercial fruit movement restrictions are in place for Loxton, in addition to the existing outbreak areas in Pike River West, Pike River and Renmark West, with all host material to be treated and certified before leaving an outbreak area.
Residents in the affected area are reminded to promptly pick any ripe fruit and vegetables that are at risk from fruit fly - including apples, pears, limes, strawberries, and stone fruit.
"I urge everyone in the region to keep gardens and properties tidy - collect fallen fruit and don't let fruit rot on the ground - this is essential in fruit fly prevention to stop the life cycle," Mr Secomb said.
"If you are in the Loxton red outbreak area, collect your fallen garden fruit in a bag you can seal, and call the Fruit Fly Hotline to arrange collection - 1300 666 010 - don't compost it, and don't put in a bin.
"These actions are an essential tactic to protect South Australia's $1.3 billion horticulture industry at risk from fruit fly and the tens of thousands of jobs it represents."
Support and advice for primary producers is available through the Family and Business Support program.
Restrictions in Loxton will last until November 22, while those in Pike River, Pike River West and Renmark West will end on November 17, provided no other outbreaks occur.
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