An outbreak of Queensland fruit fly has been confirmed in Glynde, a suburb in Adelaide’s northeast, triggering immediate action from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA). Residents within the declared zones are being urged to comply with strict quarantine measures to prevent further spread of this pest.
After the detection of fruit fly maggots in locally grown peaches, PIRSA has delineated specific areas around Glynde as part of the containment strategy. The red outbreak zone extends 1.5km from the detection spot, while a broader 15km area is marked as a yellow outbreak zone. Details of the affected areas can be viewed on the detailed outbreak map available at fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-map.


Residents in these areas are instructed to keep all home-grown fruit and vegetables within their property boundaries. This includes not giving away any produce to neighbors, friends, or through online platforms. The objective is to restrict the movement of any fresh produce that could potentially host these pests.
PIRSA staff, identifiable by their orange overalls, will be active in the community, applying organic bait to plants and examining fruit for any signs of fruit fly presence. Households can expect visits as part of the eradication efforts which also include inspections of garden produce.
Con Poulos, PIRSA’s Acting Director of Biosecurity Operations, stressed the role of the community in eradicating this outbreak. “I’m confident in our proven control methods for successful eradication, but it is vital that the community in the affected area does not move any fresh fruit or fruiting vegetables from their properties,” Mr Poulos commented. He also said it was important for cooperation from the residents to allow PIRSA staff access to their yards for effective application of control measures.
The pest poses a significant threat as it can easily spread through the movement of affected fruit. To address this, there are stringent guidelines about the transport of fruit, especially within the designated zones.
“A reminder to families and students returning to school next week, fruit and vegetables purchased from supermarkets are not impacted and can still be transported to schools in lunchboxes etc. However, fruit in your garden are perfect hosts for fruit fly to lay their eggs in and must not be moved from your property if you are in the outbreak area,” explained Mr Poulos.
Residents are also advised to check their fruit for any signs of damage or maggots, and to dispose of any fallen or ripe fruit by placing it in the green waste bins. This practice helps break the life cycle of the fruit flies and prevents further infestation.
PIRSA is considering extending its Sterile Insect Technique program to the area as part of its longer-term management strategies. This technique has shown significant efficacy in controlling fruit fly populations in other regions.
The quarantine and associated measures will remain in place until PIRSA detects no further presence of fruit flies or larvae in Glynde. If the situation remains under control, the restrictions are anticipated to be lifted later in the year.
For ongoing updates, residents can visit pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly-outbreaks, which provides comprehensive information and resources related to the current fruit fly outbreak and the actions required for different zones.
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