South Australia is upping the ante in its fight to remain fruit fly free, following another confirmed outbreak on the state’s west coast.
Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) declared an outbreak of Mediterranean fruit fly (Med-fly) in Thevenard late last week, after larvae was found in the area on 19 January.
The latest detection is separate to an outbreak declared in nearby Ceduna on 14 June last year. An outbreak of Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly) was declared in Loxton in eastern South Australia in December (2018).
A 1.5km outbreak area has been established around the Thevenard detection point and quarantine restrictions apply within the township.
It is anticipated the quarantine zones in both Thevenard and Ceduna will remain in place until at least 13 April 2019.
'Mediterranean fruit fly doesn't exist in South Australia and can only be brought into our state from infested fruit originating from Western Australia,” said PIRSA executive director Will Zacharin.
'This has no impact on the State's fruit fly free status for the rest of the state and we are liaising with the horticultural industry on the outbreak and our eradication campaign.'
Zacharin said a hard-line approach will be taken to stop uncertified fresh produce entering the state.
'With the new zero tolerance measures now in place at the Yamba Quarantine Station or at random roadblocks, anyone caught with illegal fresh fruit and fruiting vegetables face fines and penalties of up to A$100,000,' Zacharin explained.
'There are ample reminders on signs as travellers head into quarantine zone as well as roadside bins to relinquish produce.”
