Post-cyclone pests continue to ravage parts of Australia. Here's what we know about this threat
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In the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Australians have been rebuilding their homes and their communities one day at a time.
However, these areas are now facing a surge in a different kind of threat—one that's small in size but enormous in impact.
The invasive fire ant, known scientifically as the red imported fire ant, has become a significant concern in southeast Queensland.
According to reports, hospitalisations due to fire ant stings have recently increased.
This surge has affected humans and has also led to the tragic death of a pet in the community.
These cases highlighted the pervasive danger these insects pose to communities.
Since the beginning of March, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has been inundated with reports of 60 severe fire ant stings.
According to the program, 23 of these cases were so severe that they required hospital treatment.
This alarming statistic underscored the urgency of addressing the fire ant problem, which the recent cyclone has exacerbated.
The aftermath of such natural disasters often leaves communities vulnerable to secondary crises, and the proliferation of fire ants has been a stark example.
The sting of a fire ant is not to be underestimated.
Experts described the sting as intensely painful, with the potential to cause severe allergic reactions and even death.
According to the National Allergy Centre of Excellence and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, up to 7.5 per cent of individuals stung by these ants need medical attention.
Reece Pianta, the Advocacy Manager of Invasive Species Council, pointed out that the majority of those stung were engaged in cyclone clean-up efforts.
This information highlighted the occupational risks faced by outdoor workers and the general public who enjoy outdoor activities.
Pianta warned that if fire ant populations continue to grow and spread, the entire country could face a future where fire ant stings could be an ordinary yet dangerous occurrence.
The impact of fire ants on pets has recently become more evident.
Greenbank local Ebony Britton shared her puppy's unfortunate experience due to fire ant stings.
Fifteen months ago, a fire ant stung her pet puppy, which led to its death.
This death was the first confirmed pet fatality in Queensland due to these ants.
This incident should be a heartbreaking reminder that our furry friends are not immune to the threats posed by invasive species.
Experts like Pianta attributed the growth in fire ant numbers to a combination of factors, including back-to-back flooding events, under-resourcing, and a lack of support for property owners.
Floods, in particular, have been identified as a way for fire ants to spread.
These ants create new infestations and challenges for eradication efforts.
In response to this growing issue, the Queensland government announced a $24 million funding boost to the state's Fire Ant Suppression taskforce.
This initiative should target a vast area of over 212,000 hectares within the suppression zone over the next two years.
The goal of this investment was to reduce fire ant density by up to 80 per cent.
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.
The Queensland minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, emphasised the importance of this suppression effort.
Perrett stated that it is crucial to address the problem before it affects more Queenslanders.
This collaborative approach, involving other states and the commonwealth, is expected to prevent a full-scale invasion of these destructive pests.
However, the fight against fire ants is far from over.
Pianta also stressed the need for the federal government to match the state's funding commitment, especially with the upcoming election.
The community's concern about fire ants in Queensland has been palpable, and this issue must receive the attention and resources it deserves.
Fire ants are native to South America and were believed to have entered Australia through contaminated materials on ships at the port of Brisbane in 2001.
However, many experts argued that they may have been present since 1992.
Their presence poses a widespread risk not only to humans and pets but also to native wildlife, industry, and the Australian way of life.
As we continue to recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, Australians must stay informed about the risks of fire ants and take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families.
Report sightings, be vigilant in your outdoor activities, and support eradication efforts. Together, we can combat this hidden danger and safeguard our communities from the fiery sting of the invasive fire ant.
However, these areas are now facing a surge in a different kind of threat—one that's small in size but enormous in impact.
The invasive fire ant, known scientifically as the red imported fire ant, has become a significant concern in southeast Queensland.
According to reports, hospitalisations due to fire ant stings have recently increased.
This surge has affected humans and has also led to the tragic death of a pet in the community.
These cases highlighted the pervasive danger these insects pose to communities.
Fire ants have infested several parts of Queensland after the tropical cyclone Alfred. Image Credit: Pexels/Oktavianus Mulyadi
Since the beginning of March, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has been inundated with reports of 60 severe fire ant stings.
According to the program, 23 of these cases were so severe that they required hospital treatment.
This alarming statistic underscored the urgency of addressing the fire ant problem, which the recent cyclone has exacerbated.
The aftermath of such natural disasters often leaves communities vulnerable to secondary crises, and the proliferation of fire ants has been a stark example.
The sting of a fire ant is not to be underestimated.
Experts described the sting as intensely painful, with the potential to cause severe allergic reactions and even death.
According to the National Allergy Centre of Excellence and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, up to 7.5 per cent of individuals stung by these ants need medical attention.
Reece Pianta, the Advocacy Manager of Invasive Species Council, pointed out that the majority of those stung were engaged in cyclone clean-up efforts.
This information highlighted the occupational risks faced by outdoor workers and the general public who enjoy outdoor activities.
Pianta warned that if fire ant populations continue to grow and spread, the entire country could face a future where fire ant stings could be an ordinary yet dangerous occurrence.
The impact of fire ants on pets has recently become more evident.
Greenbank local Ebony Britton shared her puppy's unfortunate experience due to fire ant stings.
Fifteen months ago, a fire ant stung her pet puppy, which led to its death.
This death was the first confirmed pet fatality in Queensland due to these ants.
This incident should be a heartbreaking reminder that our furry friends are not immune to the threats posed by invasive species.
Experts like Pianta attributed the growth in fire ant numbers to a combination of factors, including back-to-back flooding events, under-resourcing, and a lack of support for property owners.
Floods, in particular, have been identified as a way for fire ants to spread.
These ants create new infestations and challenges for eradication efforts.
In response to this growing issue, the Queensland government announced a $24 million funding boost to the state's Fire Ant Suppression taskforce.
This initiative should target a vast area of over 212,000 hectares within the suppression zone over the next two years.
The goal of this investment was to reduce fire ant density by up to 80 per cent.
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.
The Queensland minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, emphasised the importance of this suppression effort.
Perrett stated that it is crucial to address the problem before it affects more Queenslanders.
This collaborative approach, involving other states and the commonwealth, is expected to prevent a full-scale invasion of these destructive pests.
However, the fight against fire ants is far from over.
Pianta also stressed the need for the federal government to match the state's funding commitment, especially with the upcoming election.
The community's concern about fire ants in Queensland has been palpable, and this issue must receive the attention and resources it deserves.
Fire ants are native to South America and were believed to have entered Australia through contaminated materials on ships at the port of Brisbane in 2001.
However, many experts argued that they may have been present since 1992.
Their presence poses a widespread risk not only to humans and pets but also to native wildlife, industry, and the Australian way of life.
As we continue to recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, Australians must stay informed about the risks of fire ants and take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families.
