The fly was found in a surveillance trap but no more have been found since.
If it established here, the Queensland fruit fly could seriously harm the country’s fruit and vegetable crops and affect exports of some produce. If a population is found, work will progress to eradicate it.
Current work involves extending the network of traps, inspecting home gardens in the area for plants that could provide suitable habitat for fruit flies, taking fruit and vegetable samples for testing and providing information to local residents and visitors.
A legal Controlled Area is in place in Devonport, restricting the movement of certain fruit and vegetables from the area.
Full detail of the Controlled Area and movement controls is at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/fruitfly
Response staff are also working with local retailers to explain the detail of the movement controls and how they may impact their businesses. Local retailers are eligible to apply for compensation for verifiable losses incurred as a result of the legal directions.
If people in Devonport believe they have seen fruit flies or have found insect eggs or larvae inside fruit or vegetables, they should contact the response team on: 0800 80 99 66. Photos of the insect are on the Biosecurity New Zealand website.
