The State Government has announced a substantial injection of $17.1 million into the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, aiming to bolster efforts against the pervasive threat posed by red imported fire ants (RIFA), one of the world’s most invasive pests.
Red imported fire ants are notorious for wreaking havoc on ecosystems and agriculture, causing extensive damage to crops, machinery, and landscapes.
“This funding commitment demonstrates the Government of South Australia’s dedication to the national eradication effort and underpins the importance of a united response in the fight against fire ants,” Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, says.
“Red imported fire ants represent a serious risk to our health, environment, livestock, and economy with the potential to also limit our outdoor lifestyle and damage our precious native flora and fauna, which is why we must do whatever we can to stop them spreading into our state.”
Despite their diminutive size, measuring merely 2 to 6 millimetres, these aggressive ants can inflict painful stings capable of triggering severe allergic reactions, posing risks to both humans and animals alike.
While fire ants have not yet been detected in South Australia, recent findings in Queensland and New South Wales underscore the pressing need for proactive measures. In November, five nests were discovered in Murwillumbah, with subsequent sightings in Ballina, emphasizing the rapid spread potential of these pests.
Chief among the challenges in combatting fire ants is their propensity for hitchhiking through human activities, such as the inadvertent transport of infested materials like plants, soil, or machinery.
To mitigate this risk, residents and businesses are urged to adhere to movement restrictions and reporting protocols outlined on the PIRSA website, particularly for those returning from or visiting regions where fire ants are prevalent.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program, underpinned by a comprehensive four-year response plan valued at $592.8 million, represents a concerted effort to leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies in the pursuit of eradication. The latest funding injection by the State Government, amounting to $17.1 million, supplements the $6.5 million previously allocated to the initiative.
“All Governments – States, Territories, and the Commonwealth – are 100 per cent committed to eradicating red imported fire ants. Together, we’re fully funding the new $592 million National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which includes a record $296 million of federal investment over the next four years,” Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt says.
South Australia has designated red imported fire ants as a notifiable pest, mandating that all suspected sightings be promptly reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.
Early detection and intervention are deemed crucial in containing the spread of these invasive ants and averting potential ecological and economic ramifications.
Efforts to combat fire ants extend beyond state borders, with collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing the broader threat landscape.
Genetic analysis of recent ant specimens aims to ascertain their origin and potential links to existing infestations, providing valuable insights for targeted intervention strategies.
Red imported fire ants are a notifiable pest in South Australia which means there is a legal obligation for everyone to report any suspected detections to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Early reporting plays a vital part in preventing them from establishing and spreading.
Information on movement restrictions is available on the PIRSA website.
More News
