Auckland restricts fruit and vegetable movement after fruit fly detection

A biosecurity operation has been initiated in Papatoetoe after an Oriental fruit fly was detected in a routine surveillance trap.

According to a report by Stuff, the discovery was made on Wednesday during Biosecurity New Zealand’s nationwide monitoring programme, which uses approximately 8000 traps across the country. Commissioner North Mike Inglis confirmed the find and highlighted the effectiveness of the system.

“We have located this pest thanks to our extensive network of traps. Because of this, we know where the problem is, and we can respond quickly and effectively,” Stuff has quoted.

Although the Oriental fruit fly does not threaten human health, authorities warn that its establishment could seriously damage New Zealand’s horticulture sector. Fruit flies are commonly introduced through fresh fruit and vegetables brought into the country.

In response to the detection, Biosecurity NZ is intensifying trapping and inspection efforts in the affected suburb. “As a precautionary measure, Biosecurity New Zealand will put in place legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly has been found,” Inglis said. Officials are expected to release further details about the restrictions and impacted neighbourhoods within the next 24 hours, according to Stuff.

“In the meantime, it’s important that people who live and work in the suburb not take any whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of their property,” as quoted by Stuff.

Biosecurity teams will be present in Papatoetoe to conduct inspections and provide information to residents.

Since 1996, there have been 15 separate fruit fly incursions in Auckland and Northland, all of which were successfully eradicated. Earlier this year, a Queensland fruit fly was discovered in Mt Roskill, prompting six weeks of intensive trapping and the inspection of more than 230 kilograms of fruit.

Native to Asia, the Oriental fruit fly has spread to several warmer regions globally. The adult flies lay eggs inside fruit, where larvae feed and cause decay. The species can infest over 300 varieties of fruit and vegetables, including apples, guavas, mangoes, peaches and pears, as reported by Stuff.

The flies measure around 6 to 8 millimetres in length and are slightly larger than a housefly. They are identifiable by dark T-shaped markings on the abdomen and typically bright yellow and orange colouring, though variations occur. Females have a pointed rear used for egg-laying, while males are similar in size but more reddish-brown, according to Stuff.

Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they have found a fruit fly to photograph it and contact MPI on 0800 80 99 66.