Millions of Australians at risk of being stung by fire ants each year, experts warn
by Daisy Dumas from Environment | The Guardian on (#6J85B)
Inquiry into invasive pest hears of risks fire ants pose to health, agriculture and the environment if they become endemic
Fire ants could sting 8.6 million Australians a year if they were to become endemic - but a pathogenic fungus and pesticide-loaded drones might help avert that scenario, according to submissions posed to the federal government's fire ants inquiry.
Submissions to the Senate inquiry into red imported fire ants (Rifa) in Australia closed on Monday, just days after the latest in a string of fire ant detections beyond south east Queensland, where an infestation of the invasive pest is ongoing.
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