Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
The Oriental fruit fly response continues in Papatoetoe, with no further sign of the pest so far, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis.
It follows the identification of a single male fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the suburb on Wednesday.
“We’re continuing to ramp up our surveillance, including setting and checking additional traps in the area around the original find,” says Mr Inglis.
“Today our team is installing signage where legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables are in place.”
“The legal controls are an important precaution while we investigate whether there are any further fruit flies present.”
The area where controls are in place has 2 zones – Zone A is a 200-metre zone, including 501 properties. Zone B covers a 1,500-metre area, including 9,481 properties.
Zone A
No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
Zone B
All fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area.
Biosecurity disposal bins are being placed in the area for fruit, vegetable, and compost waste, which are then collected for secure disposal.
A map of the controlled area, as well as a full description of the boundaries and rules in place is available on our website.
Oriental fruit fly detection in Papatoetoe, Auckland
“Biosecurity New Zealand staff are on the ground in the area today and over the weekend, handing out brochures and providing information and support to the community and businesses,” says Mr Inglis.
“They will be visiting the local night markets this evening to share information about the response.
“We’ve stamped out previous fruit flies with the help of local communities and our sector partners, and we appreciate their ongoing support.”
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
