A RANGE of important measures are being set as part of the fruit fly response pest response plan, aiming to protect growers and the Riverland’s delicate horticulture sector. 
Department for Primary Industries (PIRSA) acting general manager Jason Size said community support is vital to tackle outbreaks. 
“We have a strong prevention program in place that’s shaped by the commitment of local communities, strengthened by the support of our growers, and backed by the tireless work of our teams on the ground,” he said.
“This includes travel restrictions, monitoring and detection, as well as our recurring sterile fly releases to combat wild fruit flies.”
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program has been an effective measure against fruit fly, with more than three billion sterile fruit flies released over the Riverland outbreak areas, since the program started in December 2020. 
These sterile flies breed with wild flies, disrupting the breeding cycle and ultimately aiding the suppression of the wild populations.
Mr Size said, in addition to the SIT program, a range of teams are out every day as part of the broader response, to ensure the Riverland region is protected, including border and outbreak area inspections.
“We urge local communities, especially Renmark, where detections have been more prevalent, to support staff making on-site property visits, to look for signs of fruit fly and put control measures in place,” he said
“Our boots-on-the-ground monitoring work is critical to early detection and rapid response.
“Fruit fly officers conduct regular trap inspections, visit homes and businesses, check for signs of fruit fly activity, and provide Attract-and-Kill Devices (AKDs) to property owners to optimise outbreak coverage. 
“They also manage baiting programs that target adult fruit flies and help residents with good fruit hygiene, such as removing fallen fruit and pruning trees, to reduce the appeal of potential breeding sites.
“However, fighting fruit fly requires everyone working together. It’s only with the support of the community that our strong program can protect the Riverland and our horticulture industry.”
More information about fruit fly can be found by visiting the website (www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au).