Image courtesy of Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the Government of South Australia
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has announced a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) outbreak in Ceduna, South Australia. This situation has warranted an urgent eradication effort, effective immediately. The announcement came after adult Medflies were detected in routine monitoring traps on 25 February 2025. The presence of these pests necessitated supplementary trapping, which confirmed the infestation, adhering to the stringent national detection protocols.
In response to the findings, PIRSA has established quarantine measures in the affected areas of Ceduna. These restrictions are expected to remain until at least 29 May 2025, provided no further signs of Medfly, such as wild flies or larvae, are detected. Acting Director of Biosecurity Operations, Con Poulos stated, “We’ll share information with all properties and businesses within this outbreak area about what they need to know, and how they can play a part in preventing its spread.”
PIRSA has dispatched staff, to remove and inspect fallen fruit, which could harbour larvae, eradicating it as a necessary hygiene measure. The eradication team will also apply organic bait to trees, aiming to attract and eliminate any lingering wild flies.
The importance of maintaining a Medfly-free status in South Australia is critical, given its impact on the state’s $1.25 billion horticulture industry that is vulnerable to fruit fly infestations. The sector’s profitability relies heavily on the ability to export fruit without the need for additional treatments which would otherwise be necessary. Poulos explained the significance of the eradication efforts, stating, “Mediterranean fruit fly doesn’t have a permanent population in South Australia, and is likely to have been brought into our state from infested fruit originating from interstate.”
“With Ceduna being situated close the Western Australian border, it’s really important for all residents and visitors in the West Coast region to be aware of the restrictions on travelling with fresh fruit and vegetables in South Australia.”
Poulos also reinforced the government’s commitment to the eradication efforts, reflecting on South Australia’s past successes in handling similar outbreaks. “South Australia has a 100% success record in eradicating fruit fly outbreaks, as we’ve seen with the successful eradications of previous Medfly outbreaks in Ceduna and Thevenard in 2018-19,” he commented.
Residents and businesses in the area are urged to stay informed about the movement restrictions and their role in the containment efforts. An interactive map is also available to ascertain whether specific locations fall within the restricted zones, affecting how fruit and vegetables should be handled.
For more detailed information about the restrictions and steps being taken to control the outbreak, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly.
More News
