The two-year battle against fruit fly in Adelaide is officially over with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) announcing the successful eradication of the last fruit fly outbreak area.
Welcoming the news, General Manager for Fruit Fly Response at PIRSA, Nick Secomb said all fruit movement restrictions had now been lifted in metropolitan Adelaide, meaning everyone could once again freely move any fruit and vegetables.
“Getting rid of fruit fly in metropolitan Adelaide over the past two years has been a huge team effort from everyone – residents, industry, businesses, community groups and the fruit fly response team,” Mr Secomb said.
“Thank you to everyone for supporting fruit movement restrictions, allowing the PIRSA team to access and bait backyards, for maintaining your gardens and correctly disposing of waste.”
He said the last fly was eradicated in Ridleyton last week (22 February).
“Those in the Ridleyton and surrounding area who were previously in the affected fruit fly area, can now pack lunches with any fresh fruit and vegetables, like locally grown strawberries, apples and pears.”
Mr Secomb said that while the outbreaks in metropolitan Adelaide were over, PIRSA was still working to eradicate two Riverland outbreaks as it was currently peak fruit fly breeding months.
“I ask everyone to please remain vigilant and keep your gardens tidy to prevent fruit fly, no matter where you live,” he said.
“Stone fruit is currently in season, including apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums – as well as figs and tomatoes – and these are all fruits and fruiting vegetables in which fruit fly lay their eggs.”
Mr Secomb said people should pick fruit once ripe, collect all fallen fruit, check fruit for maggots and call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if they see anything suspicious.
Further information on fruit fly can be accessed at this PS News link.
