PIRSA Manager Plant Health Operations Biosecurity SA, Nick Secomb, said the 1.5 kilometre quarantine zone around Clarence Park has been extended to include parts of Kurralta Park, Forestville, Richmond, Marleston, Plympton, Keswick, Netley, North Plympton and Ashford. “Fruit fly detections such as these are expected as part of an outbreak response, but they are unlikely to impact any commercial growers and do not impact on South Australia’s fruit fly free status.”

“The eradication program is progressing well. Biosecurity SA officers are contacting homeowners within the quarantine zone to apply organic fruit fly bait to properties and to pick up any fallen fruit. Extra fruit fly traps have also been set up in the area.

“South Australia is the only Australian mainland state which is fruit fly free. Successful eradication of isolated fruit fly detections such as these helps to maintain our state’s fruit fly free status.”

In 2014-15, the estimated farm-gate value of the state’s horticultural produce vulnerable to fruit fly infestation – including wine grapes and almonds – was $1.1 billion.

Source: pir.sa.gov.au