The Ministry of Agriculture informs the general Public and the Farming Community that there is an outbreak of the Asian Fruit Fly (Bactrocera invadens) in Limpopo Region, in South Africa. As a result of the outbreak the Republic of South Africa has quarantined off the Limpopo Region.

The Asian Fruit Fly attacks tomatoes citrus, mango, cashew, papaya, guava, green pepper, water melons, squash, pumpkin, butternuts,  bananas, avocado and several wild host plants including Morula and the Wild Monkey Orange (Mogorogorwana).  

The main pathway for fruit flies to spread from one area to another and from one country to another is through the movement of infested fruits.

In an effort to prevent this fruit fly in invading Botswana, the Plant Protection Division under the Ministry of Agriculture has put in place the following quarantine measures with immediate effect;

I)     Importation of host fruits from South Africa will immediately require a plant import permit issued by Plant Protection Division regardless of quantity.

II)    Mandatory checks of passengers at point of entries (borders and international airports).

III)   All plant and plant products will only be allowed at approved ports of entry as per Fourth Schedule of the Plant Protection Act of 2007.

For the success of this operation the public’s full cooperation and participation in this endeavor will be highly appreciated.

For more information contact, Mr. Tshipo Moruti at Plant Protection, Sebele; email tmoruti@gov.bw or (267) 3928745/6. Pius Malikongwa, email pmalikongwa@gov.bw or (267) 3928745/6.