FURTHER detections of fruit fly have seen three new outbreaks declared in the Riverland over the past seven days, with a local towns quarantine zone also expanded. 

PIRSA on Monday delcared a new Queensland fruit fly outbreak in Murtho, following the detection of a pregnant female fruit fly in a monitoring trap.

The detection of pregnant females also saw two new fruit fly outbreaks declared at Loxton North last week.

The detections were made outside the existing Loxton North outbreak area, meaning new fruit fly outbreaks were constituted. 

The original Loxton North outbreak area is now being called Loxton North A, and the new outbreaks are named Loxton North B and Loxton North C.

Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair Jason Size said local citrus growers would be financially impacted by requirements to chemically treat fruit as a result of the outbreaks. 

“Growers are doing the right thing on their properties, and we need everyone to do the same at home,” Mr Size said. 

“With citrus season beginning now, fruit is coming off the trees but worker shortages mean you may see more fruit on the ground than normal – growers know to treat that with chemicals and mulch it to destroy any flies or larvae. 

“If you’re a grower, call PIRSA’s industry hotline on 1800 255 556 for advice on fruit fly restrictions and requirements.”

Meanwhile, the Waikerie fruit fly outbreak area has been extended to the north and west after maggots were detected in backyard fruit last week.

PIRSA general manager of the fruit fly response, Nick Secomb, said it was crucial all potential host material was cleared from Riverland backyards.   

“Fruit fly is posing a real risk to locally grown fruit – both commercially and in your back yard,” Mr Secomb said. 

“Riverland residents, please clean up your gardens urgently, and please follow the fruit movement restrictions in the affected fruit fly areas. 

“Fruit fly thrive on ripe fruit. Pick your fruit as soon as it’s ripe and collect any rotten or fallen fruit off the ground – do not compost or bury it. 

“Please give fruit fly officers access to your property so they can do their work quickly and efficiently. Special waste arrangements are in place so check waste advice on the fruit fly website or call the Fruit Fly Hotline.”

Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the Family and Business support program by phone on 1800 931 314, or by visiting the website. 

Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland is available by visiting the website.