South Australia must remain vigilant against the threat of fruit fly. Fruit fly can be spread via the movement of infested fruit and vegetables, including grapes, by travellers or in commercial consignments (1).

There is one current fruit fly outbreak being actively managed by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)–Biosecurity SA: a Mediterranean Fruit Fly outbreak at Blair Athol in Adelaide:

  • Movement conditions for this outbreak remain in place until at least 14 April 2020.
  • For further information including maps, refer here.
  • One semi-commercial vineyard currently falls into the suspension area for this outbreak and has been advised of the movement controls that will apply if the quarantine zone is still active at the time the grapes are harvested.
  • For carriers transporting winegrape loads during vintage whilst movement conditions are in place, it is preferable to choose a route that avoids transiting the fruit fly affected area. Where this is not possible, a truck must not stop, backload or unload while transiting through the fruit fly affected area.
  • Winegrape growers are reminded to ensure that every load is consigned to prevent spillage (i.e. by retaining at least a 200mm gap between the top of the load and the top lip of the truck or bin). While this is relevant to fruit fly outbreaks, it is also best practice for general biosecurity and, of course, safety.

To report suspected fruit fly, phone the 24-hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

References

  1. https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/fruit_fly