Oriental fruit fly update

Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has confirmed that legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the south Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place for the next few weeks following the detection of a single male Oriental fruit fly.

The ongoing restrictions are a precautionary measure to ensure the pest does not establish in New Zealand.

No further Oriental fruit flies have been found in surveillance traps, which is very encouraging, however BNZ wants to be absolutely certain that it is not dealing with a breeding population.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until mid-February. Specialist teams will continue to inspect traps and examine fruit and vegetables collected in the area.

There is no change to the current movement rules.

The A and B Zone areas in Papatoetoe remain the same, and legal controls prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the controlled area.

Horticulture New Zealand supports these measures.

The restrictions are critical to protecting New Zealand’s horticulture sector and export markets. While the fruit fly poses no risk to human health, its establishment would have significant economic consequences for growers.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as they become available.

More information can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website here