The Australian government has confirmed that the South Australian Riverland region temporary lost its Pest Free Area (PFA) status for its trade with China at the start of this year.
The suspension follows the declaration of an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly at Loxton on 7 December 2018, meaning fresh fruit from the Riverland must now undergo an approved phytosanitary treatment prior to export.
"The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China advised it will temporarily cease recognition of the Riverland Pest Free Area (PFA) for fruit fly in South Australia, effective 1 January 2019" a statement from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources said.
A 1.5 kilometre outbreak area has been established around the detection point from which host fruit and fruiting vegetable cannot be removed, as quarantine restrictions apply. Affected areas include Newton Road bounded by Barker Street to the north and Middleton Road to the East.
"Australia has strong systems in place to respond to outbreaks of fruit fly and the response is being managed in accordance with nationally agreed protocols," the DAWR statement said. "The department is working closely with Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to manage the outbreak, and continues to engage with China on the temporary suspension and eradication activities."
The quarantine and suspension areas will remain in place until at least April 4, 2019, pending any detections. China originally recognised the Riverland region as a PFA in November 2017.
