Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Mt Roskill will end on February 21 if no more Queensland fruit flies are found in the suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand’s commissioner north, Mike Inglis.

The controls have been in place since the discovery of a single male fruit fly in a surveillance trap in early January.

"We’ve had fantastic support from locals and sector groups since our response began, and we’re asking for that to continue a little longer out of an abundance of caution.

"No other Queensland fruit flies have been found, which is really encouraging, but over the coming weeks, we’ll keep up our regular checking of fruit fly traps.

"The extended timeframe helps us to be confident that we are not dealing with a breeding population. It is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Queensland fruit fly,” says Mr Inglis.

“We’re grateful for the actions people are taking to comply with the restrictions, which are vital to keeping fruit fly from establishing in New Zealand.”

There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. The A and B zone areas in Mt Roskill will remain the same.More detail on these zones is on our website: Queensland fruit fly – Mt Roskill

"The restrictions prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. This prevents possible spread of fruit fly or their larvae,” says Mr Inglis.

"There have been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand which we have successfully eradicated, so we know what it takes to get the job done.”

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s pest and diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

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