New Zealand’ largest Queensland Fruit Fly (Q-Fly) outbreak continues to swell, with the country’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirming another two male flies were discovered on Thursday (5 March).
The new findings bring the total number of adult Q-Flies captured within the established Auckland control zone to 13. Despite the growth of the outbreak, which started with the discovery a single male fly on 16 February, MPI insists there is still no evidence that the situation is anything more than “a localised population of fruit fly that can be eradicated.”
The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has been affected by the evolving situation, with host venue Eden Park located inside the control area. South Africa is scheduled to play Pakistan at the venue on Saturday (7 March), with cricket fans being urged to avoid taking fruit or vegetables into the game. Any fruit or vegetable matter has been forbidden from leaving the ground, with bins to be provided at exits and MPI staff on hand.
In a bid to protect its Q-Fly-free status, Tonga has banned all fresh produce imports that are grown within the Auckland area. Fruit and vegetables from other regions of New Zealand will continue to be approved for import by Tonga, as long as they have authorisation from New Zealand quarantine officials. According to Fairfax Media, close to 80 per cent of Tonga's export revenue is derived from squash, watermelon and papaya sales.
