26 Apr 2019

Another Queensland fruit fly found in Auckland

6:37 pm on 26 April 2019

Restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables are in place again in Auckland after a Queensland fruit fly was found in Northcote.

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A Queensland fruit fly Photo: CSIRO / AFP

The single male fruit fly was discovered in a trap near to where a cluster of flies were caught in February and March.

The restrictions that had been in place to deal with a cluster of fruit flies on the North Shore were lifted earlier this month, although a surveillance programme was kept in place.

The fly was found on Thursday and 460m away from where the previous male flies were found.

Dr Catherine Duthie from Biosecurity New Zealand said finding another fruit fly was not the news they wanted.

"While it is disappointing there has been another detection, and we need to increase our operational presence on the ground again, it does show our surveillance systems are working.

"Despite this latest find, there is still no evidence of a breeding population."

She said there are strong indications that it was related to the earlier group found in Northcote.

"It's looking like it's an old fly, it's a bit raggedy, so it's entirely possible it's from the same group of flies that emerged last time, it's just been waiting a little longer to be caught."

She said the latest discovery was 460m from where the previous male flies were found.

Wheelie bins would not be out until Monday, but information leaflets would be dropped into letter boxes over the weekend.

Biosecurity NZ was very appreciative of the support they had received earlier in the year and apologised for any inconvenience these new restrictions would cause.

"We are very grateful for the support residents in Northcote gave us previously and I am confident that support will continue.

"We know it's a big inconvenience but it's vital for our horticultural industry - and the $6 billion that contributes to our economy - that we do this. We don't want this pest to establish here."

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