Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) incident update
The Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) biosecurity response remains on track, despite a recent confirmed detection of a single fly at Rivervale. The detection of one male Qfly was made via surveillance traps, as part of DPIRD’s early warning biosecurity system.
A biosecurity response to protect the State’s valuable agriculture sector and home gardens from the pest has been underway since March when Qfly was discovered in Bayswater, which has now been controlled.
Qfly is one of the most serious horticulture pests, which has more than 300 fruit and fruiting vegetables host plants. A Quarantine Area has been reinstated, covering Perth, Belmont, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Vincent, Joondalup, Swan, Wanneroo, Melville, Canning, Bayswater, South Perth, Subiaco, Stirling, Nedlands, Bassendean, Belmont, Claremont, Victoria Park, Cambridge and Mundaring. Additional traps have been installed around the detection area to support DPIRD’s ongoing response and progress towards Area Freedom. The department thanks industry for their ongoing support of the response.
DPIRD will continue to assist Swan Valley wine and table grape growers to satisfy biosecurity protocols as produce is transported and support the goal to reinstate Area Freedom.
Wine grape growers within the Export Assurance Zone (EAZ) are advised to be familiar with the Quarantine Area Notice which details the conditions in which wine grapes are required to be moved within and outside of the EAZ as stated in the Approved Measures.
For more advice contact our industry support staff:
Table grape and wine grape enquiries: Colin Gordon on 08 9368 3659, 0429 884 746 or Colin.Gordon@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Biosecurity and reporting
Growers of Qfly hosts such as strawberry, citrus, avocado, stone fruit, and tomato should regularly check for signs of Qfly and plan how to treat and move produce, even if harvest is several months away.
If you suspect you have seen Qfly, call DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 08 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or send photos of the suspect Qfly via DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter webpage or app.
Visit our webpage for more information: agric.wa.gov.au/qflyupdates
See the comprehensive list of support services, including financial support service on Western Australia’s rural support services webpage.