New fruit fly cases hit state growers

TASMANIAN growers have been rocked by more fruit fly discoveries in the state.

A fruit fly has been found on Flinders Island and larvae of the devastating pest near George Town and Spreyton.

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman confirmed the fruit fly was discovered in a control zone on Flinders Island on March 6.

Larvae was found in control zones at George Town and Spreyton.

The zones were set up by government officials at the three locations after fruit fly larvae was first discovered in January. There has been no change to the control areas.

The DPIPWE spokesman said more than 100 staff were working to eradicate the fruit pest.

MORE fruit fly larvae have been found near George Town and Spreyton, with another mature specimen found on Flinders Island.

The pest was detected on Flinders Island in January and has since been found in Spreyton and George Town.

Control zones are in place around Spreyton and George Town while a Furneaux Island Group control area is also active for Flinders.

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman acknowledged the new discovery yesterday.

“Ongoing surveillance by departmental staff and the local community around current infected sites has made larvae detections near the Ge- orge Town and Spreyton detection sites [ on Tuesday],” he said. “A fruit fly detection was made near the Flinders Island Lady Barron site on March 6.”

The spokesman said no detections of fruit fly or larvae had been made for 28 days at a third detection site on the eastern boundary of the northern control area.

No findings near the Trousers Point or Badger Corner sites on Flinders Island have been made for more than 50 days.

There has also been no change to the current control areas.

The DPIPWE spokesman said more than 100 staff were working with industry to remedy the invasion.

Report all suspect produce to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3774.