THE detection of tramp ants at the Port of Brisbane has been successfully managed.
Head of biosecurity operations Nico Padovan said biosecurity officers acted quickly to contain the colony.
“Tramp ants are an invasive and aggressive species that has established widely across the globe,” Mr Padovan said.
“They have previously been found in the Northern Territory, but this was the first sighting in Queensland.
“If undetected, tramp ant infestations can spread rapidly and potentially transmit diseases that could damage our $60 billion agricultural industry.
“They pose a huge risk to our environment and way of life, and represent a significant biosecurity risk to Australia.”
After biosecurity officers detected the nest at the Port of Brisbane, a cordon was set up around the site while officers set lures to destroy the ants.
The location of the nest was then kept under surveillance for some weeks, to ensure the baiting was successful, and authorities ensured no cargo was placed in the area at the time.”
Sightings of unusual pests can be made to the department on 1800 798 636.
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