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Bairnsdale Fruit Fly Control Program CompletedFollowing the detection of Queensland fruit fly maggots in fruit from a residential property in West Bairnsdale in April this year, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) commenced a control program to ensure that the pest would not spread. By Department of Primary Industries - 1st August 2006 - Back to News Baiting teams visited properties located within a 200 metre radius of the detection site to apply bait to trees with the view to control this pest.
The control program has now been completed.
DPI Regional Plants Standards Officer, Ms Lavinia Zirnsak said the residents of West Bairnsdale played a vital role in the success of the program by providing baiting teams with easy access to backyards.
"I would like to thank everyone involved for their excellent cooperation," Ms Zirnsak said.
Residents in and around the outbreak zone are reminded to check their backyard trees regularly and to pick fruit as it ripens. This action prevents female fruit flies laying eggs in maturing and ripe fruit. Residents should also collect all fallen fruit, secure it in plastic bags and dispose of in the garbage. This will prevent maggots burrowing into the ground and emerging as adult fruit flies.
It is a timely reminder to people travelling with fruit to use the fruit fly dump bins to ensure they do not bring infested fruit into Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone and pest free areas such as Bairnsdale.
Any queries regarding fruit fly, interstate travel requirements or market access can be directed to Lavinia Zirnsak at the DPI Bairnsdale on 5152 0600.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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