Mediterranean Fruit Fly Kununurra Outbreak

Mediterranean fruit fly – Kununurra outbreak

Industry update – 7 August 2015

Current situation

A Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) outbreak has been declared in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA). This follows the detection of three male Medfly less than 1km apart within a two week period.

Between 3 June and 29 June 2015, a total of six male Medfly have been detected. The Medfly have been found in Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) traps in three Kununurra caravan parks.

A Suspension Zone has been established over most of the ORIA’s horticultural production areas – meaning the suspension of Area Freedom.

A Quarantine Area,with restrictions on the movement of home-grown fruit, has also been established. This includes the area within a 1.5km radius of those Medfly detection points that triggered the declaration of an outbreak.

Area Freedom may be re-instated after an eradication program has been completed, which is expected to be early October once baiting is complete and subject to no further Medfly detections.

DAFWA is working with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to minimise trade implications.

Eradication program

An eradication program, funded through the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley’s biosecurity reserve, is now underway.

Kununurra Pest Management has been contracted to undertake the baiting of trees along verges and selected residential backyards, some commercial properties and throughout the Lakeside, Town and Hidden Valley caravan parks.

Recent survey work by DAFWA has identified risk host plants, such as fruit trees, which will be targeted as part of an eight-week baiting program.

The bait being used, Naturalure™, is certified as organic. It consists of protein and sugar which serves as an attractant, with a small amount of organic insecticide to kill the adult fruit fly.

The bait can leave a temporary brown mark, although after application the fruit may be eaten after normal washing.

For more information on Medfly, including information on current Quarantine Area movement restrictions, visit the DAFWAwebsite agric.wa.gov.au/kununurra-medfly, or contactDAFWA Kununurra manager Noel Wilson on 9166 4000.

Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.