Detection of Bactrocera dorsalis along the Orange river, Northern Cape province, South Africa

Publication Date

Tue, 22 May 2018, 11:36

Last Updated

May 22, 2018, 1:37 p.m.

Report Number

ZAF-42/2

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Bactrocera dorsalis - (DACUDO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Citrus spp. and Grape (including Table-, Wine-, and Dried grape varieties) fruits produced or present in this area in South Africa are affected.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

Transient: actionable, under eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

Present: transient

Geographical Distribution

Several Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in Methyl Eugenol-baited traps between Groblershoop and Augrabies areas, including Upington, Grootdrink, Karos, Keimoes and Kakamas, alongside or close to the Orange River, in ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Summary

Several Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in the affected area between the end of February and end of April 2018.

The specimens were detected as single or isolated male oriental fruit fly specimens and also as more than one male specimen from different Methyl Eugenol-baited fruit fly traps, less than 5km apart.

The identifications of all the specimens were confirmed by means of molecular analysis.

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

Eradication which will include the application of protein bait sprays and the deployment of male annihilation blocks in the quarantine area will be initiated with immediate effect.

Danger

Potential spread or establishment of B. dorsalis into other production areas free from this pest where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected.

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