Tasmanian industry and the Tasmanian state government continue to respond to the detection of fruit fly in the north of the state, including the detection of adult fruit fly and larvae in the greater Devonport region and near George Town.

To help growers keep across the news around this incursion and response, we’ve collected some of the key media stories from the last week.

Any interested parties are strongly encouraged to refer to the Biosecurity Tasmania website in the first instance for up-to-date information, including updates on Control Areas and Infected Areas.

If you are in Tasmania and you think you may have produce infested with fruit fly, please call Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3774.

Wednesday 21 February

Fruit fly-infested produce from mainland sparks Tasmanian biosecurity alert

A Tasmania-wide alert has been issued after a nectarine certified as being “fruit fly-free” was found infested with larvae in Devonport, sparking a recall of that supplier’s produce from the shelves of retail outlets across the state.

National Fruit Fly Council backs existing detection, response systems amid recent incursions

Australia’s National Fruit Fly Council is maintaining confidence in the country’s detection and response system of the pest despite a number of recent incursions in SA and Tasmania.

 

Thursday 22 February

Fruit-fly controls akin to managing natural disaster, says Tasmania’s Primary Industry Minister Jeremy Rockliff

Calls to strengthen Tasmania’s biosecurity borders are growing, with supermarket giants in the island state removing some fresh produce from shelves as fears of a major fruit-fly incursion escalate.

 

Friday 23 February

Victorian fruit fly fumigator at centre of Tasmanian crisis passes initial audit

Agriculture Victoria has been unable to determine how fruit flies got to Tasmania, after investigations found no mechanical failures at fumigation facilities in the state.

DPIPWE expands fruit fly control area across the Tamar River mouth

Tasmania’s fruit fly control area has been extended to the East across the Tamar River.

A number of producers gather at a meeting in north Tasmania to discuss the fruit fly problem

Fruit, vegetable, and wine grape growers gathered at Beaconsfield just before lunch to hear the latest on the fruit fly incursion in the state. The growers expressed concern that they were now in a control zone, and that fruit fly detected in two supermarkets had been traced back to Victoria.

Any unusual plant pest should be reported immediately through the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881). Early reporting increases the chance of effective control and eradication.

If you have any questions about the detection of fruit fly in Tasmania, please contact Biosecurity Tasmania.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 27 February 2018.