15 Mar 2019

Queensland fruit flies in Northcote now at six

11:03 am on 15 March 2019

Two more Queensland fruit flies have been found in Northcote, bringing the total number found in the North Shore suburb to six.

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Photo: CSIRO / AFP

Both the latest finds are male - one was located inside the current Zone A and the other in Zone B.

Biosecurity New Zealand head Roger Smith said the controlled zone in Northcote will be expanded, with restrictions on the movement of fruit, vegetables and green waste.

"Our teams on the ground will be removing fallen fruit from backyards, inspecting compost bins and placing bait on fruit trees to attract and kill adult flies, in particular females.

Find out more about the fruit flies and the risks they pose and see detailed maps of the controlled areas.

The fruit fly baits are toxic, and the ministry said it was taking measure to make sure it was safe around people and animals.

Queensland fruit fly.

Queensland fruit fly. Photo: Supplied / MPI

"We will give people living in the area at least 24 hours' notice that we will place bait in their property and will provide them with detailed information about our programme," Mr Smith said.

No further Queensland fruit fly have been found in Devonport since the only find there on 14 February.

However, the ministry said movement controls and trapping will continue in Devonport for the time being because it was close to the Northcote suburb.

"We will reconsider next Friday whether this needs to continue further. There is no need to undertake bait laying in Devonport."

No further facialis fruit fly have been found in Ōtara since last week.

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