Another fruit fly has been discovered on Auckland's North Shore, bringing the number discovered since February to ten.
The find could have serious consequences for New Zealand's horticultural industry, with the potential to damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables if it becomes established. A trapping programme has been in place since a single male fruit fly was found in Devonport in February.
An area of Northcote has been under a Controlled Area Notice after fruit flies were found there in April, restricting the movement of certain fruits and vegetables to help prevent the spread of any fruit flies still in the area.
Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson Dr Catherine Duthie told newshub.co.nz that another single male fruit fly was found on 15 July in a trap in the current controlled area, 350 metres from where the last was found on 31 May.
