Queensland fruit fly intercepted in Western Australia parcel

Authorities in Western Australia have issued an urgent warning after discovering a package filled with Queensland fruit fly larvae. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) found the pests crawling in dried and fresh chillies. This incident highlights the strict laws against sending fruits and vegetables into the state without proper certification. DPIRD stressed the importance of informing friends and family in other states that sending these items as gifts is not allowed. Breaking the law can result in heavy fines up to $100,000 and a year in prison. Residents are advised to contact Quarantine WA if they want to import fruits or vegetables, and senders should check the rules with their state’s department. This warning comes as WA deals with a dangerous outbreak of the Queensland fruit fly, which threatens the state's $1.49 billion horticultural industry. Recently, the pest was detected in two suburbs of Perth. To combat this, authorities have established a quarantine area, requiring residents to remove all fruits and fruiting vegetables. One local, Nurse Lorraine Harrison, described her distress at having to remove a year’s worth of crops from her backyard. She expressed sadness over losing her hard work but understands the need to help control the pest's spread. The rules are designed to protect gardens and, according to DPIRD, compliance offers the best chance of success in eradicating the fruit fly threat.