New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is investigating the discovery of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the nations capital, Auckland.
The fly was discovered in a trap on 8 May and formally identified late yesterday (9 May).
An outbreak of the pest could jeopardize market access for some of the country’s key horticultural products into leading markets in the Asia/Pacific region.
In a media release MPI deputy director general of compliance and response, Andrew Coleman, said the detection was of a single male fly and there was no evidence a full breeding population was present in the country.
“Since 2006 the ministry has intercepted species of fruit fly 53 times at the border, preventing a population from establishing here,” Coleman said. “Additionally, the Queensland fruit fly has been detected twice before in New Zealand – in Northland in 1995 and in Auckland in 1996. In both cases increased surveillance found no further sign of Queensland fruit fly and there were no breeding populations present.”
MPI has dispatched field teams in the Mt Roskill area to check properties and set additional traps to determine if other fruit flies are present in the area.
“It is vital that we ascertain if the insect is a solitary find or if there is a wider population in Auckland,' said Coleman.“This insect is an unwanted and notifiable organism that could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables.”
MPI stated in its media release it had begun work with off-shore trading partners and the horticultural industry to minimise the risk of trade restrictions for New Zealand growers and exporters.
The ministry has established a controlled area with certain restrictions – these are likely to include controlling the movement of fruit and vegetable material out of the area.
Coleman said the fly most likely entered the country in fresh fruit.
MPI has strict import requirements in place to minimise this risk. All plant material and fruit that can host the Queensland fruit fly can only be imported under the requirements of the relevant Import Health Standard. These standards define the approved pre-export treatment systems and certification requirements to manage the risk of fruit fly and other pests from entering and establishing in New Zealand. Air and sea passengers are prohibited from bringing fresh fruit and vegetables into the country.
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