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Issue #2
10 April 2026

Industry Update

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) - South Perth Outbreak

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) has been detected in South Perth and Como. Response activities are progressing to support eradication.

Current Status

Delimiting surveillance to determine the size of the Quarantine Area is now complete, with no additional detections found outside of the South Perth and Como suburbs. This increases confidence in the current extent of the infestation.

What we are doing

Response activities continue to scale up in the affected area, including:

Additional Qfly trapping within the outbreak area will continue, supported by DPIRD's permanent network of traps to support ongoing monitoring
Inspections and surveillance
Baiting of street trees using a registered organic fruit fly bait
Scaling up staffing and operational capacity to support the next phase of the response

The response is being coordinated from the State Biosecurity Response Centre in Canning Vale, with continued engagement across industry and government stakeholders.

What this means for industry

A Quarantine Area Notice is being finalised. The Quarantine Area and any associated requirements will be implemented in accordance with the National Fruit Fly Management Protocol, ensuring a consistent and nationally agreed approach.

Perth Markets will fall within the proposed 15km Export Assurance Zone (Orange Zone). While there are currently no formal movement requirements in place, market agents and growers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspect fruit fly damage.

Further detail on boundaries and requirements will be shared with industry when finalised.

Next steps

Response activities will continue across the affected area, alongside a coordinated program of stakeholder engagement and communication.

This includes:

Stakeholder briefings and industry meetings
Webinars and online updates
Pop-up information displays and community engagement activities
Local signage and on-ground information

These activities are designed to ensure information is accessible, consistent and widely available, and that stakeholders have opportunities to ask questions and stay informed

Working with industry

We are committed to keeping industry informed and engaged throughout the response. Stakeholder feedback will continue to inform response activities where appropriate.

Reporting and information

Suspected Qfly can be reported to the Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or via the MyPestGuide® Reporter app.

Up-to-date information is available at: wa.gov.au/qfly

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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.