Tasmania’s fruit fly free status is one of the factors behind the state’s successful export program, giving producers an edge in premium markets like Japan, Korea, USA, Taiwan and China, according to Biosecurity Tasmania.

The most likely way for fruit fly to be introduced to Tasmania is as maggots or eggs in susceptible fruit and vegetables.

In the mainland Australian states where fruit fly exists, producers have costs associated with loss of product due to infestation; restricted market access; eradication, usually through the use of baits; and ongoing insecticide use.

“It is estimated our fruit fly free status adds several million dollars a year to the export income earned by Tasmania's horticultural industries,” Biosecurity Tasmania’s website said.

Fruit and vegetable that are especially susceptible to fruit fly attack include apples, apricots, blackberries, capsicums, cherries, figs, grapefruit, mulberries, nashis, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes.

Lemons, limes, quines, pumpkins and walnuts are considered minor hosts for fruit flies.

Fruit fly is declared as a List A pest under the Plant Quarantine Act 1997.

People are required by law to report any signs of fruit fly on their property to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3774.