Recent detections of the yellow-legged hornet and Queensland fruit fly in the Auckland have prompted Biosecurity New Zealand to call for nationwide vigilance.
By staying alert and reporting any confirmed sightings, you can play an important role in protecting the Top of the South’s horticulture sector and the many people whose livelihoods depend on it.
Yellow-legged hornets and nests have been confirmed in Auckland, where queen hornets, workers, and nests have now been removed. While there have been no detections outside Auckland at this stage, farmers, growers and anyone with a backyard in the Top of the South Island are urged to stay alert and report any suspected hornets or nests.
The hornets pose a serious threat to honeybees and horticulture, making early detection critical.
Meanwhile, Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed the detection of a single male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland. No additional flies have been found among surveillance traps in the area.
“We know what it takes to get rid of fruit flies and getting everyone involved is essential to finding and eradicating these pests,” Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North, says.
“There have been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, all of which we have successfully stamped out. This experience has enabled us to use strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work.”
As a precaution, movement controls are now in place, prohibiting the transport of fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area where the fruit fly was found.
If you think you have found a Queensland fruit fly, a yellow-legged hornet, or a hornet nest, please photograph it or safely capture it if possible, and report it to MPI by calling 0800 80 99 66.
