Fruit fly alert as school returns in South Australia

In South Australia, Riverland families are being reminded to follow strict fruit movement rules as students return to school, following the declaration of two new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks in the region.

Outbreaks were confirmed at Murtho and Holder late last week, triggered by the detection of adult flies and an egg-bearing female in monitoring traps.

Primary Industries and Regions SA says the timing is critical, with lunchboxes posing a potential risk if home-grown produce is unknowingly moved across control boundaries.

Fruit Fly Response Program General Manager Jason Size says community cooperation is essential to regaining fruit fly free status.

He says produce grown in green areas can move freely, but fruit from yellow or red outbreak zones faces strict preparation requirements before it can be transported.

Produce from red zones must not be moved unless it has been cooked, frozen, dried, grated or pureed, while fruit from yellow zones can only move into green areas if treated in the same way.

Authorities say simple steps such as picking unwanted fruit, collecting fallen produce, and disposing of it correctly can significantly reduce the spread.

As of January 23, there are 58 outbreak areas across South Australia, though more than half no longer have active red centres.

Residents are urged to report any suspected fruit fly activity to the hotline and reminded not to compost host fruit material under any circumstances.