A Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Elizabeth East, with residents in Adelaide’s northern suburbs now subject to quarantine restrictions as authorities move quickly to contain the pest.
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) confirmed the outbreak on Friday after five Queensland fruit flies were detected in monitoring traps during routine surveillance. A red outbreak zone with a 1.5km radius is now in place, affecting Elizabeth East and surrounding suburbs. Residents are urged to check the official outbreak map to see if their property is impacted.
To support local growers, the State Government will provide a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of treatment for fruit commercially grown within the outbreak area for a limited time, helping businesses meet certification requirements while control measures are underway.
PIRSA staff, identifiable by official ID tags, have begun door-knocking in the affected area. They will apply an organic bait to foliage and inspect fruit for signs of Queensland fruit fly activity, including maggots. Industry meetings are also expected to be held in the coming days.
Director of Plant and Invasive Species Biosecurity Nick Secomb said proven control measures were already in place, but community cooperation was critical.
“Any movement of untreated fruit risks spreading this pest, which is why it is essential that the community living within the 1.5km red outbreak zone follow the rules and do not remove fresh fruit or fruiting vegetables from their property, this includes not sharing produce with family or neighbours, or selling it online,” Mr Secomb said.
“You can only move home-grown fruit and fruiting vegetables from your property if you cook, juice or preserve your own home-grown produce first. Home-grown and purchased fruit continues to be safe to eat.
“Now is the time to inspect the ripe fruit left on trees in your garden, including stone fruit, for signs such as bruising from egg laying or maggots, and report anything unusual to the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
“Also, a reminder to families and students returning to school in the coming weeks, fruit and vegetables purchased from supermarkets are not impacted and can still be transported to schools in lunchboxes.”
Mr Secomb said warmer weather accelerates the Queensland fruit fly life cycle, with higher temperatures creating ideal conditions for adults, eggs, larvae and pupae, particularly when fruit is plentiful on backyard trees.
PIRSA says it has a strong track record of eradicating fruit fly outbreaks in metropolitan areas, with success relying on residents following advice and allowing access to properties.
To help break the fruit fly life cycle, the community is urged to keep gardens tidy, collect fallen fruit from the ground, and remove unwanted fruit from trees by placing it in green bins.
Sterile Insect Technique fly releases are also planned for the outbreak area, a key eradication tool that is most effective once the 12-week organic baiting program is complete.
Residents can find full quarantine requirements and updates at fruitfly.sa.gov.au, including detailed information specific to the Elizabeth East outbreak.
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