Holiday travellers are being asked to help keep Western Australia’s agricultural industries free from serious pests.
Following the recent detection of the destructive grain pest Russian wheat aphid in South Australia and Victoria, visitors and WA residents travelling from those States are urged to ensure they do not accidentally bring the tiny aphid with them.
Department of Agriculture and Food chief plant biosecurity officer John van Schagen said Russian wheat aphid was not known to be present in WA.
“Russian wheat aphid can cause significant yield losses in wheat and barley crops,” he said.
“Those travellers going into grain growing areas of South Australia and Victoria should be particularly vigilant and take action to prevent the potential spread of this aphid into WA.
“Before entering WA, travellers should brush down luggage and its contents, wash hands and wipe shoes to ensure they do not transfer the pest across the border.”
Additionally, those travelling north to the East Kimberley region are being asked to not pack fresh fruit to prevent the spread of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly).
This follows last year’s outbreak of Medfly in Kununurra, which was detected in traps at local caravan parks.
“The Ord River Irrigation Area near Kununurra is WA’s only horticulture region that is free from Medfly,” Mr van Schagen said.
“An outbreak of Medfly in the Ord could lead to the loss of valuable export markets.
“Therefore, travellers are prohibited from taking citrus and stonefruit into this region. Any type of fruit can harbour fruit pests, so we encourage all travellers to minimise the risk of spread, particularly with home grown produce.”
For more information about Russian wheat aphid visit is available on the website.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937