The government has established a quarantine zone around eight Perth suburbs in an attempt to limit the damage of an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly that has ended WA's status as free from Australia's most damaging fruit pest.
Department staff found six male Qfly, now present in all other states except South Australia and Tasmania, in the Alfred Cove residential area between November 18 and 23 in surveillance traps, forcing it to evaluate the effect on trade if the spread is not controlled.
The Department of Agriculture and Food WA has from Tuesday imposed restrictions on the movement of all home-grown fruit and vegetables from inside the quarantine area of Alfred Cove, Ardross, Booragoon, Winthrop, Willagee, Myaree, Melville and Attadale.
"Qfly attack a wide range of hosts and it is vital for Western Australia's horticultural industries, and also for those who wish to continue growing fruit and vegetables in their backyard, that we eradicate this pest," said entomologist Darryl Hardie.
The implications for trade with Tasmania and South Australia, now the only Qfly-free states, are still being assessed.
Previous outbreaks in Perth were eradicated in 1989 (Nedlands area), 1995 (Lathlain) and 2011 (Highgate). Dr Hardie has weathered all these outbreaks, and said the most recent epidemic cost the department hundreds of thousands to bring under control.
But that is small change compared to what it would cost the state's horticultural industry if the government loses control.
The national Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre Fruit estimates that fruit fly costs the nation about $300 million a year in control and lost markets.
Farmers have until recently used the pesticide fenthion to help prevent outbreaks of Qfly, but after a long period of review, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority banned the chemical because of public health fears.
The phase-out has already affected West Australian growers battling the Mediterranean fruit fly, already established in WA.
Information for residents
A map of the quarantine area, full list of host fruit and vegetables and more advice to residents is available at here.
Residents are advised to remove ripening fruit and pick up any fallen fruit.
They should either eat it straight away or dispose of it by cooking it, freezing it or securing it in a sealed plastic bag placed in direct sunlight for a period of three days.
"Don't bury the fallen fruit as Qfly adults can emerge from the soil," Dr Hardie advised.
They can be fined for failing to comply.
The department is conducting additional trapping and surveillance in the area and inspecting properties.
Residents who see larvae should call 1800 084 881 or use the free MyPestGuide Reporter app.
