May 2018 - outbreak
Location: Como
Status: Eradication program underway
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has detected a number of male Queensland fruit flies (Qfly) in the Perth suburb of Como. The Qfly were detected in a residential area, and there continues to be no recent detections in any commercial fruit or vegetable production areas.
The department is making every effort to contain this most recent outbreak and prevent any spread.
This includes a Quarantine Area Notice (QAN) which came into effect on 5 May 2018. A new QAN with extended boundaries comes into effect on 19 May 2018, including all or parts of Como, Bentley, South Perth, Karawara and Kensington (see map).
Other eradication program activities, including baiting and surveilance, are outlined below.
We need the help of the local community
Home-grown fruit and vegetables cannot be moved out of the Quarantine Area, and must be disposed of according to strict guidelines.
Nobody wants Qfly in Western Australia. To eradicate this pest we need the participation and support of residents and businesses within the Quarantine Area as we carry out our response activities.
We thank you in advance for your support - in particular by accomodating repeated property visits for baiting and surveillance, and complying with movement and disposal restrictions on fruit and vegetables.
The department is exploring all avenues to remove pathways through which Qfly can spread to other areas. This includes:
- Community gardens and public property where fruit trees are located. If within the Quarantine Area, the same rules apply to fruit and vegetables grown on these properties.
- Online trading of fruit. Many properties have an excess of citrus at this time of year. The department is appealing to sellers located within the Quarantine Area to remove their advertisements until further notice.
- Home gardeners and gardening contractors are being urged to ensure that greenwaste is not disposed of before being stripped of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables must then be disposed of according to disposal guidelines.
If you suspect fruit fly in your garden call the department via the reporting options below.