26 May 2012

Fruit fly infestation ruled out

6:01 am on 26 May 2012

Authorities have ruled out a possible Queensland fruit fly infestation in New Zealand.

A single male fruit fly was found in the Auckland suburb of Avondale on 8 May sparking a major biosecurity operation.

At least 3000 kilograms of fruit have been tested and destroyed.

On Friday, the Ministry for Primary Industries says after extensive surveillance in the suburb it is lifting restrictions on the movement of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Residents had been told not to move any fresh produce outside a 1.5km zone where the insect was found. Cordons in the area will be lifted at 7am on Saturday.

For the past fortnight, 48 staff have been monitoring traps and analysing samples from the area.

Ministry spokesperson Andrew Coleman says they have found no other fruit flies and there is no need for further restrictions. However, the ministry will continue with its routine surveillance programme.

It will also have a debriefing on its biosecurity response, looking at how it has worked with the community and local produce providers.