The discovery of more fruit fly in Tasmania has offered an insight into why we are in the midst of a biosecurity scare.
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Nectarines infected with fruit fly were discovered in a Devonport grocer this week.
Upon hearing this discovery, two thoughts come to mind: how can we have another outbreak in the middle of a control zone, and do we now have more information on how we got into this mess in the first place?
While it’s disappointing this has happened, it can also offer an insight and help our biosecurity workers understand and respond to this fruit fly scare.
It appears the issue may have started on the mainland as part of the fruit fly-free certification process. Investigations are continuing and Biosecurity Tasmania is confident this will be addressed as per normal procedures.
Many questions need to be asked about that process and how we allow it to pass our border control.
To get on top of this issue, Biosecurity Tasmania must be supported by the state government.
Given we are in caretaker mode, we have previously seen bipartisan support by both the Liberals and Labor to offer a $2 million package to support the industry during this period.
If there are further resources or funding needed to get control of this situation, we need to ensure politics are removed from the situation.
As we saw with blueberry rust, our border security – in terms of process and resource – will need to be examined thoroughly once we have gained control of the situation.
By all reports our biosecurity officers are working hard and thoroughly to get this issue under control. And we can help them.
Current advice is for people to continue to consume fruit as per normal, whether it be eating fresh or cooking.
However, Biosecurity Tasmania has directed everyone to not compost any fruit. Instead any discarded fruit must be double wrapped in plastic bags and placed in the garbage.
While this may seem insignificant, it’s an important role to play in ensuring the fruit fly threat can be addressed efficiently.
We must remain vigilent and report any signs of fruit fly, be patient and respect the processes and restrictions put in place within the exclusion zones.
Collaboration will ensure Tasmania can and will recover from this scare.