Fruit fly larvae have been discovered at Lady Barron on Flinders Island.
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Biosecurity Tasmania confirmed the fruit fly larvae were found in two apricot trees on a residential property.
Entomologists identified the larvae as a species of Bactrocera fruit fly, which is a List A pest under the Plant Quarantine Act 1997.
Fruit fly larvae look like blowfly maggots and are usually easy to see in the fruit flesh.
Chief plant health manager Andrew Bishop said it was likely that this incident was an isolated incursion.
Flinders Island is not a commercial fruit growing area and does not export fruit, which means export markets from mainland Tasmania should not be affected.
Biosecurity Tasmania has protocols in place to address fruit fly detection and Biosecurity Tasmania officers are speaking with the property owners and conducting survey work on Flinders Island, including determining the likely source of the incursion.
Lady Barron residents will receive information outlining Biosecurity Tasmania’s response plan, treatment options and measures regarding the movement and removal of fruit.
If you see signs of fruit fly on your property or anything suspicious call the Biosecurity Operations Centre on 1800 084 881.
Visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/plant-biosecurity/pests-and-diseases/fruit-fly for more information.