紅螞蟻入侵澳大利亞，威脅經濟與健康

這種進口紅火蟻以其令人痛苦的毒液而聞名，自從在布里斯班首次發現以來，已在昆士蘭州和新南威爾斯州蔓延。參議院調查提出了 10 項遏制和根除這種南美害蟲的建議，包括提高透明度、與私人實體合作以及全面的資訊宣傳活動。模型預測，如果螞蟻的蔓延得不到控制，將會產生嚴重的經濟後果，到 2035 年，每年可能造成至少 25 億美元的經濟損失。

Red Imported Fire Ants: Threat to Australia's Economy and Healthcare System

紅火蟻：對澳洲經濟和醫療保健系統的威脅

Introduction

介紹

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), an invasive species originating from South America, has posed a significant threat to Australia since its initial detection in Brisbane in 2001. The ants inject a painful venom, causing severe discomfort and potential health complications for humans and animals. Furthermore, RIFA has the potential to inflict substantial economic losses on the nation, as evidenced by a recent modelling study.

紅火蟻(RIFA) 是一種源自南美洲的入侵物種，自2001 年在布里斯班首次發現以來，對澳洲構成了重大威脅。人類帶來嚴重不適和潛在的健康併發症。此外，最近的一項模型研究證明，紅火蟻有可能對國家造成重大經濟損失。

Senate Inquiry Findings

參議院調查結果

In response to the growing concerns regarding RIFA, a Senate inquiry was conducted to investigate containment and eradication strategies. The inquiry's findings, released this week, present a comprehensive set of 10 recommendations aimed at addressing the infestation and mitigating its impact.

為了回應人們對紅火蟻日益增長的擔憂，參議院進行了一項調查，以調查遏制和根除策略。本週發布的調查結果提出了一套全面的 10 項建議，旨在解決蟲害問題並減輕其影響。

Economic Impact

經濟影響

Modelling projections indicate that if RIFA is not effectively controlled, it could cost the Australian economy at least $2.5 billion annually by 2035. The ants' presence disrupts agricultural activities, degrades environmental ecosystems, and imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems due to the treatment of venom-related injuries.

模型預測表明，如果紅火蟻得不到有效控制，到2035 年，每年可能會對澳洲經濟造成至少25 億澳元的損失。沉重負擔，因為螞蟻的治療與毒液相關的傷害。

Recommendations for Action

行動建議

The Senate inquiry has emphasized the need for enhanced transparency and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in RIFA management. Key recommendations include:

參議院調查強調需要加強參與紅火蟻管理的各利益相關者之間的透明度和協作。主要建議包括：

• Public disclosure of the five-year Fire Ant Response Plan to ensure informed decision-making.
• Fostering partnerships with private industry, particularly farmers and pest control companies, to leverage their expertise and resources.
• Implementing a comprehensive public information campaign to educate residents in affected areas about RIFA's dangers and prevention measures.

Funding Considerations

公開揭露五年火蟻應對計劃，以確保做出明智的決策 與私營企業，特別是農民和害蟲防治公司建立夥伴關係，利用他們的專業知識和資源。影響地區的居民關於紅火蟻的危害及預防措施。

The inquiry acknowledged the importance of adequate funding for RIFA containment efforts. While the inquiry was reassured of sufficient funding for containment measures in southeast Queensland, it recommended a review of funding arrangements to ensure long-term sustainability.

調查承認為紅火蟻遏制工作提供充足資金的重要性。雖然調查團確信昆士蘭東南部的遏制措施有足夠的資金，但它建議對資金安排進行審查，以確保長期可持續性。

Government Response

政府回應

The federal and state governments have collaborated on a $592 million eradication program over four years. A federal government spokesperson welcomed the Senate inquiry's report, highlighting its significant increase in funding compared to previous years. The Invasive Species Council has endorsed the Senate's findings, calling for immediate action to prevent further spread of RIFA.

聯邦政府和州政府在四年內合作實施了耗資 5.92 億美元的根除計畫。聯邦政府發言人對參議院調查報告表示歡迎，強調與前幾年相比，報告的資金大幅增加。入侵物種委員會已批准參議院的調查結果，呼籲立即採取行動，防止紅火蟻進一步蔓延。

Farmer Concerns

農民的擔憂

Cattle farmers in affected regions have expressed concerns about the potential impact of RIFA on their livelihoods. The ants can damage livestock and crops, adding to the challenges faced by farmers due to weed pressures. However, farmers are encouraged by the recent efforts to control the infestation.

受影響地區的養牛戶對紅火蟻對其生計的潛在影響表示擔憂。螞蟻會損害牲畜和農作物，增加農民因雜草壓力而面臨的挑戰。然而，農民們對最近控制蟲害的努力感到鼓舞。

Conclusion

結論

The Senate inquiry has sounded the alarm on the urgent need to address the RIFA threat. The implementation of the inquiry's recommendations, including enhanced transparency, collaboration, and targeted eradication efforts, is crucial to protect Australia's economy, healthcare system, and environment from the devastating consequences of this invasive species.

參議院的調查對解決紅火蟻威脅的緊迫性敲響了警鐘。落實調查建議，包括加強透明度、合作和有針對性的根除工作，對於保護澳洲經濟、醫療保健系統和環境免受這種入侵物種的破壞性後果至關重要。