Eradication of Bactrocera dorsalis (Oriental Fruit Fly) in three separate areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Publication Date

Mon, 30 Mar 2020, 10:41

Last Updated

March 30, 2020, 10:41 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-52/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Bactrocera dorsalis - (DACUDO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Citrus spp. that are exported and considered hosts of this pest and produced or present in this area in South Africa are no longer under threat.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Absent: pest eradicated

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Absent: pest eradicated

Geographical Distribution

Five (5) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in five separate Methyl Eugenol baited traps in urban areas in the coastal town, Jeffrey’s Bay between 28 February and 21 May 2019. Forty-one (41) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected between 7 April and 14 June 2019 in the coastal town of East London. Five (5) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in several Methyl Eugenol baited traps between 4 and 12 June 2019 and one (1) detected, again, in October 2019 in the Kirkwood/Addo area in a citrus production area in Buffalo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Summary

Five (5) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in five separate Methyl Eugenol baited traps in urban areas in the coastal town, Jeffreys Bay between 28 February and 21 May 2019. Forty-one (41) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected between 7 April and 14 June 2019 in the coastal town of East London. Five (5) male Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in several Methyl Eugenol baited traps between 4 and 12 June 2019 and one (1) detected, again, in October 2019 in the Kirkwood/Addo area in a citrus production area. The identifications of all the specimens were confirmed by a recognized entomologist though molecular analysis.

All the affected areas were quarantined; delimiting surveys and phytosanitary actions to restrict and control the movement of host material were initiated with immediate effect after the first detection in accordance with the South African Bactrocera dorsalis Fruit Fly (SABiFF) Action Plan.

Phytosanitary actions were implemented to control the movement of fruit from the area under delimitation. Eradication which included the application of protein bait sprays, deployment of male annihilation (MAT) blocks and strict field sanitation within the quarantine area, were initiated.

After 8 weeks with MAT and baiting, a 4 week monitoring period followed, there were no further detections, therefore supporting declaration of the status of East London area as free from the presence of Bactrocera dorsalis, as this pest has been successfully eradicated. Therefore, the status of the pest in point in this area is: Eradicated.

Danger

Any immediate or potential danger of Bactrocera dorsalis has been prevented by successful eradication where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected.

Contact for info

Ms Muneiwa Ratshilingano Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Private Bag X14 Gezina 0031 South Africa [email protected]

Report files

Notification on eradication of Bactrocera dorsals in the Eastern Cape Province

Website

Issue keywords

Economic impact Eradication/Successful eradication Insects/Insecta/Arthropods

Commodity keywords

Citrus fruit, fresh or dried