In the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, residents of south-east Queensland are facing a new, fiery threat that has surged in numbers and aggression: the invasive red imported fire ant (Rifa). The aftermath of the cyclone has not only left a trail of destruction but has also led to a worrying increase in fire ant stings, with 23 individuals requiring hospital care and the tragic report of the first pet death attributed to these venomous insects.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program has been inundated with notifications of 60 serious Rifa stings since the beginning of March, a figure that is alarmingly above the norm. The severity of these stings cannot be understated, as they can lead to intense pain, severe allergic reactions, and in some cases, fatalities. According to the National Allergy Centre of Excellence and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, up to 7.5% of those stung by fire ants may need medical intervention.
The surge in fire ant attacks has been particularly pronounced among those involved in cyclone clean-up efforts, highlighting the increased risk to outdoor workers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone enjoying the great Australian outdoors. Reece Pianta, the advocacy manager at the Invasive Species Council, warns that this could be a glimpse into a future where fire ant populations are left unchecked and allowed to spread across the country.
The impact on pets is becoming increasingly evident, with numerous reports of animals suffering anaphylactic reactions and even fatalities due to fire ant stings. The heart-wrenching story of Ebony Britton’s puppy, which succumbed to fire ant stings in Greenbank, near Logan, serves as a stark reminder of the danger these pests pose to our beloved animals.
Experts like Pianta attribute the explosion in fire ant numbers to a combination of factors, including back-to-back flooding events, under-resourcing, and insufficient support for property owners. Floods, in particular, have been identified as a catalyst for spreading the super-pest, exacerbating the problem and making eradication efforts more challenging.
In response to this growing threat, the Queensland government has announced a significant $24 million boost to the state’s Fire Ant Suppression taskforce. This funding aims to target a vast area of over 212,000 hectares within the suppression zone over the next two years, with the goal of reducing Rifa density by up to 80%. The focus will be on areas along the Logan and Albert rivers and parts of the Scenic Rim, where fire ant populations are most dense.
Queensland’s minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, has emphasised the urgency of these suppression efforts, stating that the government is doubling down on its commitment to combat this destructive pest. The collaborative approach, involving other states and the commonwealth, is expected to prevent a full-scale invasion of fire ants.
However, the Invasive Species Council is calling for the federal government to match the state’s funding commitment, highlighting the timeliness of the investment and the community’s deep concern over the issue in Queensland.
Rifa, native to South America, is believed to have entered Australia through contaminated materials on ships docking at the port of Brisbane in 2001, although their presence may date back to 1992. These dark reddish-brown ants with darker abdomens pose a significant threat to native wildlife, industry, and the Australian way of life. The pest has now spread to over 700,000 hectares in the Brisbane region, with recent detections in Oakey, the Sunshine Coast, and northern NSW.
As the threat of fire ants continues to grow in the wake of Cyclone Alfred, efforts to control their spread remain a pressing concern for both authorities and communities. With increased funding and awareness, the hope is to mitigate their impact before they become an even greater challenge.
What are your thoughts on the current fire ant suppression efforts? Have you or someone you know encountered these invasive pests? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
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