An unwanted fruit fly species has been stopped entering the country after Biosecurity New Zealand officers spotted wing drosophila larvae in an orange.
It was detected in a single fruit from a consignment of oranges from the United States on April 8 during routine inspection.
"As a precautionary measure, we have put a temporary hold on citrus consignments from the USA. This will allow us to investigate further," Head of Biosecurity NZ Roger Smith said today.
The Ministry's technical experts are assessing the find and any measures that might need to be taken as the fly is not normally associated with citrus.
"We are working with authorities in the United States to identify the source of the contamination and possible treatment options for consignments on their way to New Zealand," Mr Smith said.
The fly is a serious pest that could harm a range of fruit crops in New Zealand.
"The interception shows our biosecurity controls are working well," Mr Smith said. "There is no suggestion the fly is in New Zealand.
He said the move to halt imports was unlikely to have an impact on the supply of citrus to New Zealand consumers.
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