Industry Update

Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) - South Perth Outbreak

Current Status

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) continues to respond to a detection of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), in the South Perth and Como area, to support eradication and protect Western Australia’s horticultural industries.

A response team of more than 200 personnel continue to liaise with industry stakeholders and the community, working towards an effective eradication program that is completed as quickly as possible. Operations are progressing, with a strong focus on baiting, property visits, surveillance and community engagement to prevent the further spread of Qfly.

Quarantine Area Notice Extension

The Quarantine Area Notice, established on 17 April 2026, has been extended for a further six months to 31 March 2027 to support eradication activities. The notice will be revoked as soon as eradication is achieved and there is sufficient evidence that Qfly is no longer present in the affected area.

Under Australia’s National Fruit Fly Management Protocol, reinstatement of pest area freedom depends on the absence of Qfly adults and larvae in the Quarantine Area.

As in previous Qfly responses, the expiry date is extended beyond the anticipated Area Freedom reinstatement date, and rest assured the QAN will be revoked as soon as Area Freedom from Qfly is regained.

Quarantine Area and Movement Restrictions

The Quarantine Area zones and associated movement restrictions remain in place and are unchanged.

Businesses and residents must continue to comply with all requirements of the QAN, including host fruit and vegetable removal, treatment, covering and movement restrictions.

The Quarantine Area consists of the:

• Red Zone (Corrective Action Zone) – intensive eradication activities, including movement controls
• Orange Zone (Export Assurance Zone) – buffer area with movement controls in place.

Anyone selling host plants, host fruit or fruiting vegetables in the Red or Orange Zone of the Quarantine Area must continue to:

• Keep host fruit and fruiting vegetables inside buildings or covered with plastic wrap, tarpaulins, hessian, mesh, or other secure coverings to prevent infestation by Qfly.
• Keep host fruit and fruiting vegetables inside fully enclosed vehicles or securely covered during transportation in the Quarantine Area.
• Remove fruit from host plants before passing through or leaving the Quarantine Area.
• Ensure host fruit and fruiting vegetables grown in the Export Assurance Zone have been appropriately treated before being moved outside of the Quarantine Area.

While we understand that keeping produce covered securely at all times can be an inconvenience for some vendors, it is an important measure to support the eradication of the pest.

Other Updates

• Ongoing surveillance: To date, DPIRD field teams have conducted 112,781 property visits and collected 1,838 fruit samples for testing.
• Baiting operations: Almost 8,000 properties have been baited and over 7,476 L of Naturalure bait has been applied to street trees. Property and street tree baiting will continue once to twice per week in the Red Zone.
• Detections: To date, 80 adult Qfly have been detected in traps in the Red Zone.
• Market compliance: DPIRD compliance officers continue to conduct inspections each week at the Perth Markets, weekend farmers markets and supermarkets across the Quarantine Area to ensure compliance with quarantine measures.
• Fruit disposal: Over 44 tonnes of excess host fruit has been collected by DPIRD for proper treatment and disposal, helping to break the Qfly lifecycle.
• Community engagement: Community engagement officers have conducted 116 informational pop-ups, market stalls and presentations, engaging with 5,715 community members and stakeholders.  

Reporting and Information

Suspected Qfly detections, including larvae (maggots) found in fruit, 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

For enquiries or further support, contact: qfly@dpird.wa.gov.au

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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.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2026