IMPORTANT: Unfortunately an Oriental fruit fly has been found in the vicinity of Roseneath Place, Birkdale.
Restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables will be put in place as soon as Friday.
The affected area will be up to 1.5km from Roseneath Place, which will take in most of Birkdale, Beach Haven and some of Bayview and Windy Ridge.
For the latest info see:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/active-biosecurity-responses-to-pests-and-diseases/oriental-fruit-fly-birkdale/

The single male Oriental fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in a suburban back yard in Birkdale, on Auckland’s North Shore.
The capture of a single male does not mean there is a breeding population. However, Biosecurity New Zealand does its checks for any other fruit flies, we need community help to prevent any possible spread.
As a precautionary measure, Biosecurity New Zealand will be putting legal restrictions in place on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly was found.
Instructions about these controls and the exact area affected will be issued once Biosecurity New Zealand has completed an initial investigation. In the meantime, people who live and work in the suburb are asked not take any whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of your property.
Trapping and testing will be ramped up, with daily checks in a 200-metre zone from the original find and three daily testing in a second zone out to 1500m.

About this fruit fly:
* The Oriental fruit fly is a serious horticultural pest. It feeds on and spoils a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including some of our significant export crops.
* If it established here, this type of fruit fly would have serious effects on our horticulture sector and on home gardens.
* Adult flies are a little larger than a housefly (6 mm to 8 mm long); have a dark “T” shaped marking on the abdomen (the part behind the waist); usually have a bright yellow and orange abdomen (but can vary) and have clear wings.

If you think you’ve found the fruit fly:
* photograph it
* capture it (if you can)
* call MPI on 0800 80 99 66

Auckland Council’s response:
* In preparation for restrictions in the Birkdale area, the council’s Natural Environment Delivery and Waste Solutions teams will get together on Friday and begin plans for any council support and waste-related requirements.
* This is likely to include changes to food scraps collection in this part of the North Shore.
* We will also share public information to our communities, following Biosecurity New Zealand’s guidance.
* We will keep you informed of new information as it becomes available.