10:47 am today

Fruit fly incursion: No new insects spotted

10:47 am today
A fruit fly controlled area has been set up in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.

A fruit fly controlled area has been set up in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Maia Ingoe

No new flies have been spotted since a single oriental fruit fly was found in South Auckland earlier this month.

The fly is a significant threat to the horticulture industry with maggots capable of feeding on more than 300 different fruit and vegetable crops.

A Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson said its officers were continuing to check traps, collect waste from bins in the area for safe disposal, and inspect fruit in a mobile laboratory.

The spokesperson said officers had been visiting produce markets to share information with the local community.

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