Queensland fruit fly (QFly) incident announced 31 March 2026

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) has been detected in the South Perth area. Early response activities are underway to delimit the extent of the infestation and support eradication.

What are DPIRD doing?

  • Delimiting surveillance is currently underway to understand the extent of the outbreak. This includes increased trapping, fruit tree inspections, and baiting across the South Perth area. 

  • A coordinated response has been established at the State Biosecurity Response Centre in Canning Vale. Work is underway with key stakeholders, including local residents and businesses, industry bodies, market agents, nurseries, and retailers. 

What this means for the apple and pear industry

  • A Quarantine Area will be determined following the completion of initial delimiting surveillance. Further details on boundaries and any requirements will be shared with the industry when finalised.

  • As with previous Qfly responses, it is anticipated that restrictions will be placed on the movement and storage of fruit and fruiting vegetables in parts of the metropolitan area, including Perth Markets in Canning Vale. 

  • DPIRD recognises the importance of timely information for business planning and will continue to provide updates as the response progresses.

Next steps

Response activities will continue to scale up in the affected area, including increased trapping, inspections, and baiting.  A range of engagement activities will also be rolled out to ensure stakeholders and the broader community have access to clear, timely information. This includes:

  • Stakeholder briefings and industry meetings to provide details on the Quarantine Area and any requirements

  • Webinars and online updates for those unable to attend in person

  • Pop-up information displays and community engagement activities at farmers markets, community events and other high-traffic venues.

  • Local signage and on-ground information to increase visibility of the response and reinforce key messages

These activities are designed to ensure that information is accessible, consistent, and widely available, and that stakeholders have opportunities to ask questions and stay informed as the response progresses.

Working with industry

DPIRD is committed to keeping industry informed and engaged throughout the response. Stakeholder feedback will continue to inform response activities where appropriate. 

Reporting and information

Suspected Qfly 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

 

Nardia Stacy