Officials warned after discovering the first invasion of the mine: “Important and devastating”
Fire ants first appeared in Queensland, Australia.
What happened?
ABC Capricornia reports fire ants were found in a mining area in central Queensland. The National Fire Ant Elimination Program confirmed the discovery, with officials in the program quickly destroying the nests at the site.
The Invasive Species Council warns that a large number of Australia are at risk of fire ants if the country’s fire ants program is reviewed soon.
“It reflects what happened to the government that we have told the government for two years. … There is a risk of fire ants throughout Australia, and the expenses are huge and devastating.”
Goff pointed out that the spread of fire ants nationwide could have an economic impact on $2 billion. He also estimates that suppressing fire ants will cost about $24 million.
Why are invasive species involved?
Invasive species have attracted attention for many reasons.
In this case, the spread of fire ants in Australia may cause environmental and economic losses. Ants also pose a significant health risk to the country’s residents and may cause harm to livestock and native animals.
Invasive species tend to spread rapidly. Like they do, they destroy native species by occupying food and other resources and introducing new diseases. Since these fire ants also have a tendency to be painfully stinging and aggressive, they will not only harm local species, but also people and pets.
Conservation and prioritization of native species while working to eliminate invasive species can help ensure natural resources conservation, food supplies, prevent disease transmission and ensure community safety.
What did you do on fire ants in Australia?
Officials have found that fire ants will continue to work with the National Fire ants program at the mine, which is using gene tracking and testing to determine how the invasive species reached the mine.
Meanwhile, eradication efforts in the area will continue and surveillance will be added to ensure that officials can detect and eliminate any further fire ants.
“This testing strongly reminds the community and industry of alertness that can and does stop the spread of fire ants,” Michael Homden, director of the program, explained to ABC Capricornia.
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