Fruit fly emergency response plan

School report (Butterfly design) COOK ISLANDS FRUIT FLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture P.O. Box 96 Arorangi, Rarotonga COOK ISLANDS Feb 2018 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 AMENDMENTS 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3 ACRONOMS 4 DEFINITIONS 4 SCOPE 6 ACTIVATION PROCEDURE 7 FRUIT FLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAGE 8 1. EARLY DETECTION STAGE 8 2. ALERT STAGE 9 3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAGE 11  ERADICATION 11  HOST FRUIT COLLECTION 13  DATA RECORDING 15  EDUCATION AND AWARENESS 16  ASSESS FEASIBILITY OF STAND DOWN STAGE 17 4. STAND DOWN/TERMINATION STAGE 17 RESOURCES FOR FRUIT FLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN 18  CONTROL CENTERS 18  HUMAN RESOURCES 18  MAPS 18  MALE ANNIHILIATION TECHNIQUE 20 o SURVEILLANCE TRAPS 20 o BLOCK BAITS 21  PROTEIN BAIT 23  TRAINING 24 FRUIT FLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE STRUCTURE 25 FRUIT FLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE FLOW CHART 26 BIBLIOGRAPHY 27 APPENDIX I FRUIT FLY LIFE CYCLE 28 APPENDIX II FRUIT FLY FACT SHEETS 29 2 INTRODUCTION Fruit flies are one of the world’s most economically significant pest of horticulture and attack a wide range of fruit and vegetables. A majority of these fruit fly species are exotic to the Cook Islands and many of these are found in neighboring Pacific Island countries such as French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga etc. The Cook Islands has only two types of fruit fly species, Bactrocera melanotus, an endemic species of the Cook Islands, and Bactrocera Xanthodes commonly found throughout the Pacific. Fruit flies damage fruits by laying eggs in the fruit or on the outside skin. Larvae emerge from the eggs and immediately burrow into and feed on internal structures of the fruit. Bacterial infection often results in the partial or complete degradation of the fruit. Larvae eventually emerge at the surface of the fruit and drop to the ground where they pupate in soil until they emerge as adults. Fruit fly life cycles vary according to species and environmental conditions. Fruit flies cause direct damage to fruits and vegetables which lead to yield loss depending on fruit fly species, population and season. In addition, fruit fly infestation can result in serious losses in trade value and export opportunities due to strict quarantine regulations imposed by most importing countries. As a result, it is critical that fruit fly species are adequately managed to ensure producers can maintain, enhance and develop access into domestic and international markets. When prevention of exotic fruit fly incursion fails, eradication is the preferred course of action. Eradication can be successful and cost effective solution in response to an early detection of exotic fruit fly incursion. Managing fruit flies requires a combination of procedures and these include:- 1. Monitoring 2. Baiting 3. Trapping 4. Fruit collection These procedures are issued subject to Part 9 of the Biosecurity Act 2008 to respond to any Biosecurity emergency measures. The application of biosecurity measures to manage fruit flies in the field and in trade is a significant cost to the Cook Islands Government. The recent Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) eradication program cost the Cook Islands $246,000NZD dollars. 3 AMENDMENTS This is an evergreen document that will need to be reviewed and amended from time to time or after a Fruit Fly Emergency Response has been carried out to ensure up to date information is documented for effective and efficient response to fruit fly emergencies. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for maintaining, updating and distributing the amended versions of the plan. Version II as at February 2018 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The National Environment Service (NES), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance provided by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This document was produced as part of the Cook Islands Invasive Alien Species Project under the regional GEF #3664 Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species in the Pacific Islands. This document, the Cook Islands Fruit Fly Emergency Response Plan 2018 is written and prepared by Elizabeth Munro (NES - Senior Biodiversity Officer), to ensure that all components required to effectively and efficiently respond, to a fruit fly incursion is captured and made easy to follow and implement. To ensure this document is in-line with the Ministry of Agriculture Policies and the Biosecurity Act 2008, appreciation goes to Ngatoko Ngatoko (Director of Biosecurity Services) and Pavai Taramai (Senior Biosecurity Officer) for their assistance. The baseline information for the development of this document was collated from the production of the Agriculture Field Report released by the Ministry of Agriculture and gratitude goes to Dr Matairangi Purea (HOM) and the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture. 4 ACRONOMS BSD Biosecurity Director EMCI Emergency Management Cook Islands ER Emergency Response FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FBM Fruit fly Base Manager FF Fruit Fly FFM Fruit fly Field Manager FOM Fruit fly Operations Manager GEF Global Environment Fund HOM Head of Ministry MOA Ministry of Agriculture SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Program 5 DEFINITIONS Bactrocera melanotus Native fruit fly species of the Cook Islands Bactrocera xanthodes Introduced/established fruit fly species into the Cook Islands Biosecurity Director Biosecurity Director, designated under section 74 of Biosecurity Act 2008 Biosecurity Zone Area declared in response to a biosecurity emergency under section 69 of the Biosecurity Act 2008 Detection Confirmed identification of exotic fruit fly find Eradication The application of measures to eliminate a pest or disease from an area Exotic fruit fly species of fruit flies other than Bactrocera melanotus (endemic species) and Bactrocera xanthodes (Pacific fruit flies) Hot spot Area or site where an exotic fruit fly has been trapped. The area could be either one or more traps. Island Council Island Council established under the Outer Islands Local Government Act 1987 Ministry Ministry of Agriculture Officer any officer of the Ministry of Agriculture Pa Enua Those islands of the Cook Islands except Rarotonga Quarantine Zone A restricted area imposed by an Authorised officer where by the movement, production or existence of an exotic fruit fly or any fruit fly host is brought under regulation in order for the introduction or spread of an exotic fruit fly is prevented, controlled or eradicated to prevent further damage by the exotic fruit fly. Response Actions undertaken by the ministry as a result of the detection of fruit fly species in the Cook Islands, to demonstrate that the pest has not established itself or to contain and eradicate it and demonstrate that this action has been successful. Secretary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Specimens An organism or part of an organism collected and preserved for scientific research Surveillance The fruit fly trapping and host fruits surveys that is undertaken to collect, record and monitor data on the presence or absence of an exotic fruit fly species. 6 SCOPE The Cook Islands Fruit Fly Emergency Response Plan defines the processes to be followed should there be a detection of an exotic fruit fly that has breached our biosecurity system. This plan is a guide to respond quickly and effectively to a fruit fly outbreak before the species spread and become established. The scope and purpose of the fruit fly emergency response plan is to:  Rapidly and effectively respond to exotic fruit fly species detected in the country  Ensure measures are in place to carried out an exotic fruit fly response  system in place to monitor exotic fruit fly species  Clearly define the roles for relevant parties and individuals involved in the fruit fly emergency response  Define the roles of agencies involved in the fruit fly emergency response  Ensure effective and timely communication between national government ministries, regional organizations and members of the general public, in relation to exotic fruit fly species outbreaks.  Ensure the public is effectively notified of response activities 7 ACTIVATION PROCEDURE This fruit fly emergency response plan has four key stages of action. These are; Step 1 Early Detection stage Step 2 Alert stage Step 3 Emergency Response stage Step 4 Stand Down/Termination stage Figure 1 Activation Stage Outline 1. EARLY DETECTION STAGE This stage is activated when an exotic fruit fly is detected anywhere within the Cook Islands. This involves preliminary investigation to confirm that the fruit fly specie is a new exotic species in the Cook Islands. 2. ALERT STAGE In this stage more detailed information is collected on the exotic species to confirm its identity, its impact and distribution in the Cook Islands and the feasibility of implementing an emergency response plan. 3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAGE The primary objective of the response stage is to trap and remove all individuals of the exotic fruit fly species either at the adult, eggs and larvae phase and continue its surveillance. 4. STAND DOWN/TERMINATION STAGE The stand down/termination stage is activated when the fruit fly species is eradicated and no adult fruit fly has been trapped or detected for 6 to 18 months. This will depend on the fruit fly species and the distribution of the species. 8 FRUITFLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAGES 1. EARLY DETECTION STAGE The early detection stage starts when an exotic fruit fly species is intercepted and reported in one of the fruit fly surveillance traps set-out around the island for the purpose of monitoring and detection of any new fruit fly species. This stage ensures the credibility of the report, that the fruit fly species is not B. melanotus and Xanthodes. The initial detection steps: Field specimen: If an adult exotic fruit fly is detected in a surveillance trap and confirmed as a fruit fly species other than B.melanotus and B.xanthodes then the next step is conducted. Specimen identification: Once the fruit fly species is confirmed as species other than B.melanotus and B.xanthodes an entomologist and/or an officer with the skills or knowledge in species identification will carry-out a preliminary species identification to determine the fruit fly species. If the fruit fly species is confirmed as species other than B.melanotus and B.xanthodes and is an exotic species then the next step is conducted. When an entomologist and/or an officer in the Cook Islands confirms the fruit fly species is an exotic species that is detrimental to the Cook Islands environment, the specimen is sent to an international reference entomologist. Photos of the specimen can be used for speedy initial identification and sent to the international reference entomologist for confirmation. The photograph must highlight key external characteristic lines on the thorax and abdomen of the fruit fly. A specimen is preserved and sent off as soon as possible for formal identification and DNA analysis. When a report is received confirming the fruit fly species is other than B.melanotus and B.xanthodes then the next steps are conducted. Appointment of Fruit fly Operations Manager (FOM): If the report received confirms the species is an exotic species then the secretary is advised. The Secretary then appoints a Fruit fly Operations Manager (FOM) who will conduct the fruit fly programme. The FOM will be responsible in all the operations of the fruit fly eradication program and will report to the HOM on its operations and progress. Appointment of Fruit fly Field Manager (FFM): The Secretary will appoint a Fruit fly Field Manager (FFM) who will report to the FOM. The FFM will be responsible in all field operations of the fruit fly eradication program such as the Surveillance Trapping and Eradication Application. Appointment of Fruit fly Base Manager (FBM): The Secretary will appoint a Fruit fly Base Manager (FBM) and will report to the FOM. The FBM will be responsible for all fruit fly base operations such as preparation of materials for field operations and species identification/confirmation. 9 Figure 2 Flow Diagram of the Fruit fly Early Detection Stage Fruit fly surveillance officer or Member of the public detects an unusual fruit fly Reference entomologist identifies specimen and confirms the exotic fruit fly species Preliminary Fruit fly specimen identification by National Officers HOM appoints Fruit fly Operations Manager, Fruit fly Field Manager, Fruit fly Base Manager No further Action needed HOM advises the Minister for Agriculture Yes No Declaration of exotic Fruit Fly Eradication 24 hours 1 day 1 – 3 days 10 2. ALERT STAGE The alert stage is triggered by the HOM when confirmation is received that the fruit fly species is a new pest to the Cook Islands and that further urgent action is required to control this new species. Detailed information on the species is collated and reported to the HOM to decide on a response and advice the Minister of Agriculture. The following steps are followed in the Alert stage; 1. Detailed information on the species: More detailed information is collated on the species, site where detected, the impact it causes to agriculture crops and the environment, a list of its host plants in the Cook Islands. Countries where the fruit fly is found on, the biology of the species and possible pathway of entering the country. 2. GIS Map Zoning: A GIS map is produced to determine the hot spot area and other areas to be zoned in various meters from the first point of discovery, (300, 500, 1000 and so on). Once the hot spot area is determined the quarantine zone is set and the movement of any fruit and vegetables out of the area are banned. 3. Quarantine Zone Surveillance traps: An intense trapping in the quarantine zone is carried out. This intense trapping using Lynfield Traps are used to determine the distribution of the fruit fly. Distance from each trap in the quarantine zone is determined as well as the rest of the zones. 4. Quarantine Zone host plant survey: A survey is carried out to identify host fruit trees, vegetables, etc that are in season and plan for these to be removed from the trees. 5. Assess feasibility of Emergency Response: When information 1 to 4 above is collated by the FOM and reported to the HOM, the HOM will recommend a response and advise the Minister of Agriculture. Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) should also be notified of the situation. a. Emergency Response Trigger: The emergency response stage is triggered if the fruit fly is found to be an exotic fruit fly species that will cause social, financial and environmental loss and that it is at a stage where it has not widely distributed and can be managed. 6. Public awareness: A news article is released by the HOM to the public to announce the new species of fruit fly. 7. Securing funding: The HOM and FOM will seek financial assistance from government and/or regional agencies to assist with the fruit fly control program. A budget cannot be predetermined until an incursion happens for this is dependent on the distribution of the fruit fly in the country. The last fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) eradication program cost the Cook Islands $246,000NZD dollars. 11 3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STAGE The Emergency Response Stage is triggered once the HOM advises the Minister of Agriculture that eradication of the exotic fruit fly is the most appropriate response option thus initiating the eradication program. The eradication program includes trapping and removal of adult fruit flies and continues surveillance to monitor distribution and presence. The appointed managers in stage 1 commence with their key management functions. A media release is also made to announce the public of the new species and the requirements needed to maintain its spread. The key steps of the emergency response stage include the following;  Eradication  Surveillance  Host fruit Collection  Data Recording  Education and Awareness  Assess Feasibility of Stand down stage ERADICATION There are two key processes when eradicating Fruit flies;  Male Annihilation Technique  Protein Bait Spray These two techniques, Male Annihilation Technique and Protein Bait Spraying, traps and kills adult fruit fly species in the field. Male Annihilation Technique is also used to determine the distribution of fruit fly. Male Annihilation Technique Male annihilation technique involves the trapping of male fruit flies using trapping stations and block baits impregnated with male lure such as Methyl Eugenol (ME), Cue Lure and Trimedlure (Tl)/Capilure (Clr) that are effective attractants to various Fruit fly species. These male lures are mixed with rapid kill insecticides, Malathion and Fipronil. Surveillance Traps is a male annihilation technique used to determine the presence and distribution of fruit flies in an area. (See details below under surveillance) Block bait is another male annihilation technique used where dry coconut husk/fiber are cut into blocks and impregnated with a male lure and a rapid kill insecticides to control male fruit fly population. This technique is called the Cocomat bait and the density of blocks or traps is dependent upon the extent and geographic location of the outbreak. (see Resources for fruit fly emergency response program for materials and distribution) 12 A male annihilation technique is applied in unison with bait spraying to effectively eradicate the exotic fruit fly. Photo 1: Block Bait (Left - chip board block and right - coconut husk block (cocomat)) Photo 2: Cocomat Bait Protein Bait Spray The protein bait attracts females and acts as a food attractant and its effectiveness relies on the fact that immature females need a protein meal for developing mature eggs. The bait spray residue on the foliage is ingested by the flies and kills them. Because the bait spray relies on its attractant properties for its mode of action, overall coverage of the tree canopy is unnecessary and a 'spot spraying technique' is adequate. Bait spraying is a mixture of protein and Malathion EC 50/Fipronil and is applied in unison with Male Annihilation. Bait sprays within the outbreak zone and outbreak area should continue to be applied for 2-3 generations (3month) after the last fly or larva has been detected. The baiting program may be expanded into the quarantine zone if results from the delimiting survey indicate this is required. 13 SURVEILLANCE Male Annihilation Traps or Surveillance Traps serve as a monitoring tool for the effectiveness of any eradication program. Surveillance traps monitor fruit fly population, distribution and presence of fruit fly within an area. Once an adult fruit fly is identified, the number of surveillance traps is increased within that area to capture the flies and remove them from the environment, even after an infestation is believed to be eradicated. The increased number of traps and their inspection interval remains high for several months before the area is officially declared eradicated. Surveillance traps are placed, starting at 200 meters apart from the point of discovery in the Biosecurity Zone, followed by 300m within the next zone, 500m then 1km. Trap distance is dependent on the exotic species and number caught in the traps. The traps are checked every two days for two to three weeks to determine the distribution and population of the exotic fruit fly. This is reviewed depending on the distribution and population. To determine the distribution of the exotic fruit fly in the Cook Islands Surveillance Traps are sent to the Pa Enua. Surveillance Trapping continues for 4 – 6months before it is reduced. Surveillance Traps made out of Chinese takeaway containers (Lynfield Trap) is used for surveillance trapping to determine the presence and distribution of fruit fly. Photo 3: Lynfield Surveillance Trap 14 HOST FRUIT COLLECTION Host fruit collection involves the removal of any host fruit and vegetable in the Biosecurity Zone. All host trees and plants are stripped of any fruit and vegetable including fallen fruits are removed. These fruits and vegetables are removed and destroyed within the Biosecurity Zone. Host plants in the surrounding buffer zone may also be removed to minimize the immigration of new adults into the area. Photo 4: collecting of fruits from the ground and taken to designated hole for burial A designated area preferable in the Biosecurity Zone is assigned for the burial of all fruits and vegetables. To ensure fruit flies do not emerge, the fruits are buried and covered with soil at a height of about 0.5 to 1 meter. Photo 5: covering of fruits with soil 15 DATA RECORDING Accurate recording and reporting are essential for determining the progress of the program. Records of the program from the first sighting or phone call and all processes that follow, such as the trapping, baiting, fruit collections etc are to be kept safe. This information should be filed in such a way that any important records can be easily located later for assessment and to determine the status of the exotic fruit fly as well as assist with the write up of the final fruit fly Report. The FOM will instruct the FFM and FBM to keep records of the operation for their reports. Tables below are samples of record sheets carried out on Aitutaki. Table 1: Record sheet of surveillance trap in Aitutaki Table 2: Data sheet of surveillance trap in Aitutaki 16 EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Various social media tools should be applied to ensure the public is made aware of the eradication program. These public announcements should inform the public of the threats fruit fly can cause once established on the island. These announcements should also inform them about the eradication program, Biosecurity Zones and areas where fruits and vegetables are not to be taken out of the area. Awareness should also be made in schools where students can be taught on the fruit fly life cycle and the threats it can cause to the Cook Islands agriculture, environment and economy. Trading partners and neighboring countries should also be officially contacted to notify them of the fruit fly outbreak. Awareness material produced by Ministry of Agriculture on Oriental Fruitfly 17 ASSESS FEASIBILITY OF STAND DOWN STAGE The stand down stage is triggered when no exotic fruit fly is found in the surveillance traps for 6 to 18 months. The collation of information and data from the surveillance program will determine when the appropriate time for the stand down stage is initiated. 4. STAND DOWN/TERMINATION STAGE The stand down/termination stage come to effect when the eradication is successful and no exotic fruit fly has been found in the surveillance traps for 6 to 12months. A report of the exotic fruit fly eradication program with data evidence of no recording of exotic fruit fly shall be submitted to the HOM. The HOM will meet with the fruit fly advisors to determine the stand down/termination stage of the program. The HOM will inform the Minister of Agriculture and will also inform all agencies, trading partners and other relevant regional institutions. REPORTING The FOM will instruct the FFM and FBM to provide regular written report during the fruit fly operation and to also prepare a final report on the whole fruit fly operation within a week after the field operation is terminated. The FOM will provide a written report of the fruit fly operation to the HOM to consider a stand down/termination of the fruit fly emergency response program. The report will include;  Overview  Operations procedures  Discussion made  Results  Budget  Challenges  Recommendations The HOM will discuss the written report with the FOM, FFM & FBM and finalize the report before submitting this to the fruit fly Advisory committee. The report will then be submitted to the Minister of Agriculture for endorsement. The HOM will also release a public notice in the newspaper and other media sources of the outcome of the fruit fly operation. 18 Photo 6: Ministry of Agriculture staff stapling cocoMATs together RESOURCES FOR FRUITFLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM It is noted that some of the resources required for the fruit fly program cannot be stored long term however resources required for continuous monitoring of fruit fly be purchased and stored at MOA. Resources required to carry-out a fruit fly emergency response program are highlighted below. CONTROL CENTERS National Control Center The Ministry of Agriculture main office will be the National Control Center for any fruit fly eradication program in the Cook Islands. Island Administration For an eradication program in any of the Pa Enua, the Island Administration will designate an appropriate site as the control center. HUMAN RESOURCES Human resources are the key to carrying out a fruit fly control program. The fruit fly Operations Manager will be responsible in ensuring people are available to carry out the program. Annex IV lists key fruit fly personnel. The Ministry of Agriculture Secretary will seek assistance from other Agencies such as Ministry of Health, National Environment Service and any other agency, to request for their assistance with the fruit fly control program. Volunteers may also be requested to assist with the program, in particular the Pa Enua. The HOM of Agriculture may also form a fruit fly Advisory Committee to provide advice on the control of fruit fly in the Cook Islands. The advisory committee may be made of key stakeholders and experts on fruit fly control. Request may also be made to SPC or any agency outside of the Cook Islands to assist with the fruit fly eradication program. 19 MAPS Once the exotic fruit fly has been confirmed a GIS map is produced and hard copies printed. The Maps will;  Highlight where fruit fly species are found  Quarantine zone and a grid to determine distance or the area  Location of Lynfield traps  Flight pattern for aerial cocomat bait distribution Map 2: Map highlighting quarantine zone (red dashed line), area exotic fruit fly detected (yellow circle) and distribution of surveillance traps (i) 20 Photo 7: Lynflied trap on tree MALE ANNIHILIATION TECHNIQUE Surveillance traps Lynfield Traps Materials  Chinese Food containers  Soldering iron (make holes in the Chinese containers)  Surplus of dental wicks for traps  Steel wires  Long nose plier  Methyl Eugenol (lures)  Malathion (Insecticide)  Surveillance recording sheet Surveillance Trap mix for Cue lure and Methyl eugenol lure  Ratio 1:20  10ml malathion and 200ml lure in 1L water Lynfield Trap preparations  Holes of size of 5cm are made on the sides of Chinese container using soldering iron  Two cotton wicks are twisted around steel wires  Steel wire are threaded through the Chinese container lids  Cotton wicks are dipped into the lure  NOTE: Ensure when dipping wicks in the lure that the lure does not drip in or around the container Lynfield Trap Distribution  Location of traps from each other – starts at 200 meters apart from the 1st point of discovery or circle, then 300 within the next circle, 500m then 1 km.  Remain deployed for 3 months or 3 generation to the Fruit Fly life cycle  Recharge the traps with Methyl Eugenol (ME) every Month and collect flies every 2 days period for the next month then weekly thereafter.  Best to hang traps on host trees, 1.5 or 2 meters above ground in amongst the leaves and fruits. 21 Photo 8: CocoMat nailed to a tree Block Baiting Block Materials  sheet of Fiber board  Coconut husk  Methyl eugenol (Me)  Malathion (preferred insecticide)  Fipronil (alternative insecticide)  Wide trays/bins with lids for dipping  Hammers  Cordillidos (used to connect 2 cocomat for aerial drops)  Nails 2.5 inch  Bush knives  Tie-wires  Gloves  Pliers  Buckets  Face mask  Overalls  Safety boots  Safety glasses Male Lures Cue lure (Cl) Methyl eugenol (Me) Block Mix  Mix ratio: 80% Methyl Eugenol + 20% Malathion (~70%ME + 30% Fipronil)  1,000 blocks = 14,000mls of mixture (14 litres)  11.2L of ME + 2.8L of Malathion 50EC = 14L mixture solution  Impregnate 14ml of male annihilation lure (ME) + insecticide with Block materials Block Preparation  Fibreboard blocks size - 50mm x 50mm x 5mm (commercially prepared)  Coconut husk blocks (CocoMATs) Size - 50mm x 50mm x 5mm Soaking of Blocks  Treat 500 blocks at a time (inside 7L mixture solution) in a soaking bin/open square wide flat plastic bin/drum.  Soak blocks in bin/drum for 2 hour and stir to make sure all side of the block come into contact with mixture solution  Remove blocks from soaking bin/drum and drain excess and place them in a dry bin/drum overnight  Pre-nailing blocks (with 2.5 inch nail) and put them in small buckets ready to be distributed in the field 22 Photo 9: Cocomats connected by cordillidos for aerial distribution Block Distribution  Obtain daily plan from Operation Manager/Team Leader  Walk in straight line in direction agreed by Team Leader  Nail Blocks at 50m (100 normal walking pace) intervals to fruit trees  Nail blocks 2m above ground, above your head  Nail blocks in shady places out of sun  Make sure your blocking line is separated from your 2 neighbours by 50m  Regroup regularly at an agreed place for updates (eg.on roads for coordination)  Work out ways of getting blocks to difficult to reach areas The density of blocks or baits will be dependent upon the extent and geographic location of the outbreak. Suggested densities are as follows:-  Not less than 400 blocks per km2 in the field 50m x 50m  Not less than 1,600 blocks per km2 in residential areas, 25m x 25m  ot less than 2,500 blocks per km2 in rural areas, 20m x 20m  1 block minimum per urban backyard,  1 block per 25 trees in managed orchards, and  1 block per 4 trees in derelict orchards Aerial Block Preparation  Cocomats are dipped in Fipronil insecticide then dried overnight  Cocomats are then sprayed with 5.5 ml Methyl Eugenol (70 cocomats are sprayed for 25 to 30 seconds)  Two cocomat blocks are joined together by a cordillidos to ensure the blocks tangles on tree branched when dropped from a light plane during distribution over the hills. Aerial Block Distribution  Flight path is determined approximately 50m apart (see photo below)  Each block is dropped thru a tube, every two seconds to get an approximate distribution of 50 to 70 meters apart based on an average flight speed of 70km/hr. Photo 11: Outlet for cocomat aerial distribution Photo 10: Flight path for aerial distribution 23 Photo 12: Bait Spray: Spraying of Protein Bait on the under leaf of a pawpaw tree. PROTEIN BAIT Materials  Sprayers / nap sacks (5L)  Protein Bait  Malathion (preferred insecticide)  Fipronil (alternative insecticide) Protein Bait Mix To make 1 litre mix solution  Protein – 50ml  Malathion – 4ml (7ml for Fipronil)  Water - 946ml Protein Bait Field Application  Protein bait should be applied in 100 ml dose spots at 100 spots per hectare  in urban areas 6-8 spots per household property should be applied  Baiting at a once weekly interval must also be conducted within the 1.5 km outbreak area.  Bait sprays within the outbreak zone and outbreak area should continue to be applied for 2-3 generations (3month) after the last fly or larva has been detected.  The baiting program may be expanded into the quarantine zone if results from the delimiting survey indicate this is required, 24 TRAINING All key staff involved in the operational elements of the fruit fly control program need training to perform their functions properly. Key training needs are  Ensure staffs level of understanding of the impact exotic fruit fly species can cause to the Cook Islands are made.  Raise the level of understanding of the team of the command and control structure and decision making processes.  Train staff on application of baits  Train staff on handling of traps and use of chemical attractants to ensure no cross contamination.  Personnel trained on safe handling of chemical Training objective Audience for Training Outcomes Staff fully trained on application of bait traps All staff taking part in dispersing bait trap Bait traps successfully applied and exotic fruit flies reduced Safe handling of chemical Staff responsible for mixing of insecticides Personnel handling the block baits insecticide handled safely No cross contamination of chemicals Staff understand Fruit fly life cycle All staff Understand fruit fly cycle and able to determine when flies are at a mature stage Data recording Staff carrying out surveillance trapping Clear data of surveillance traps recorded 25 FRUITFLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE STRUCTURE  Trapping  Male Annihilation Block  Protein Bait spray  Surveillance Trapping  Replenishment of Traps  Surveillance data collection  Id & count FF  Keep a record of all fruit fly processes  Report & release news articles  Collection of fruits  Disposal of fruit collection  Incubation of fruit  Rearing of larvae  Block & Cocomat  Lynfield traps  Protein Bait Spray Minister HOM Fruit Fly Advisors Disaster (EMCI) FOM FFM Field Eradication FBM Centre Surveillance Recording & Awareness Host Fruit Collection Material Preparation 26 FRUITFLY EMERGENCY RESPONSE FLOW CHART No further Action needed Yes No Fruit fly surveillance officer or Member of the public detects an unusual fruit fly Fruit fly specimen identified Early Detection Stage Appointment of fruit fly Emergency Response Team (FOM, FFM, FBM) HOM advises the Minister for Agriculture and declaration of exotic fruit fly response program Alert Stage Any exotic fruit flies found in traps Yes Emergency Response Program Commence Material Preparation Host fruit Collection Recording & Awareness Surveillance Eradication Emergency Response Stage Stand Down Stage No exotic fruit fly for 6 – 18 months Declaration of Cook Islands free of exotic fruit fly No Stand Down Stage Cook Islands free of exotic fruit fly 1-3 days 1 day 24 hours 6-18 months Eradication 1 – 24months 27 BIBLIOGRAPHY Agriculture Field reports (2013 & 2014) Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands Atherton J & Martel F, 2015, Draft Samoa Invasive Species Emergency Response Plan Gilbertson R, Gilbertson Associates Ltd, (2012), Technical Resource – Fruit Fly for ZESPRI Group Ltd https://lrd.spc.int/project/quarantine-surveillance https://taxo4254.wikispaces.com/Bactrocera+dorsalis http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/fruitfly/brochure%20pdf/male%20annihilation.pdf http://www.kvh.org.nz/vdb/document/91543 http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/3/3/727 http://www.spc.int/pacifly/Fruit fly manual/Surveillance trapping 1.htm https://lrd.spc.int/pest-alerts Wittenberg R, & Cock M, 2001, Invasive Alien Species: A toolkit of Best prevention and management practices. CAB International, Willingford, Oxon, UK http://www.spc.int/pacifly/Fruit fly manual/Surveillance trapping 1.htm 28 APPENDIX I FRUIT FLY LIFE CYCLE 29 APPENDIX II FRUITFLY FACT SHEETS 30 31 32 33 APPENDIX III SPC PEST ALERT 34 APPENDIX IV KEY PERSONNEL FOR FRUITFLY PROGRAMME Below is a list of key personnel responsible for the fruit fly monitoring program in the Cook Islands. The following list is to be regularly updated by MOA. Island Personnel Address Rarotonga HOM Ministry of Agriculture Rarotonga Ph: +682 28711/28710 Dr Maja Poeschko Senior Research Officer Ministry of Agriculture Ph: +682 28711/25403 Maru Nganu Biosecurity Officer Ministry of Agriculture Ph: +682 28711/28710 Biosecurity Office Ph: +682 28711/28710 Aitutaki Pepe Raela Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 31700 Mobile + 682 57513 Mauke Vaine Keu Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 35141 Mitiaro Tokai Ngaiorae Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Islands Administration Ph: +682 36108 Atiu Bob Teata Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 33269 Mangaia Nuku Koroa Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Islands Administration Ph: +682 34289 Pehnryn Tutavake Andrew Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Ph: +682 42100 35 Palmerston Taepae Masters Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 37620 Pukapuka Neiao Topetai Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 41712 Nassau Course Topetai Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 41712 Manihiki Moto Finiasi Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 43103 Rakahanga Agriculture/Biosecurity officer Island Administration Ph: +682 44036 Regional Key Personnel SPC Mr Mclean Vaqalo Entomologist SPC Campus, Nabua, Fiji Tel: (+679) 3370733 Ext: 35431 E-mail: McleanV@spc.int Mr Lesio Saurara, Biosecurity Officer, Plant Protection Service, SPC Campus, Nabua, Fiji Tel: (+679) 3370733 Ext: 35223 E-mail: LesioS@spc.int mailto:McleanV@spc.int mailto:LesioS@spc.int 36