红蚂蚁入侵澳大利亚，威胁经济和健康

这种进口红火蚁以其令人痛苦的毒液而闻名，自从在布里斯班首次发现以来，已在昆士兰州和新南威尔士州蔓延。参议院调查提出了 10 项遏制和根除这种南美害虫的建议，包括提高透明度、与私营实体合作以及开展全面的信息宣传活动。模型预测，如果蚂蚁的蔓延得不到控制，将会产生严重的经济后果，到 2035 年，每年可能造成至少 25 亿美元的经济损失。

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

红火蚁：对澳大利亚经济和医疗保健系统的威胁

Introduction

介绍

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.

红火蚁 (RIFA) 是一种源自南美洲的入侵物种，自 2001 年在布里斯班首次发现以来，对澳大利亚构成了重大威胁。这种蚂蚁会注入一种令人痛苦的毒液，给人类和人类带来严重不适和潜在的健康并发症。动物。此外，最近的一项模型研究证明，红火蚁有可能给国家造成重大经济损失。

Senate Inquiry Findings

参议院调查结果

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.

为了回应人们对红火蚁日益增长的担忧，参议院进行了一项调查，以调查遏制和根除战略。本周发布的调查结果提出了一套全面的 10 项建议，旨在解决虫害问题并减轻其影响。

Economic Impact

经济影响

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.

模型预测表明，如果红火蚁得不到有效控制，到 2035 年，每年可能会给澳大利亚经济造成至少 25 亿澳元的损失。蚂蚁的存在会扰乱农业活动，破坏环境生态系统，并给医疗系统带来沉重负担，因为蚂蚁的治疗与毒液相关的伤害。

Recommendations for Action

行动建议

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

参议院调查强调需要加强参与红火蚁管理的各利益相关者之间的透明度和协作。主要建议包括：

• 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

公开披露五年火蚁应对计划，以确保做出明智的决策。与私营企业，特别是农民和害虫防治公司建立伙伴关系，利用他们的专业知识和资源。实施全面的公共信息运动，以教育受影响地区的居民关于红火蚁的危害及预防措施。资金注意事项

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.

调查承认为红火蚁遏制工作提供充足资金的重要性。虽然调查团确信昆士兰州东南部的遏制措施有足够的资金，但它建议对资金安排进行审查，以确保长期可持续性。

Government Response

政府回应

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.

联邦政府和州政府在四年内合作实施了耗资 5.92 亿美元的根除计划。联邦政府发言人对参议院调查报告表示欢迎，强调与前几年相比，该报告的资金大幅增加。入侵物种委员会已批准参议院的调查结果，呼吁立即采取行动，防止红火蚁进一步蔓延。

Farmer Concerns

农民的担忧

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.

受影响地区的养牛户对红火蚁对其生计的潜在影响表示担忧。蚂蚁会损害牲畜和农作物，增加农民因杂草压力而面临的挑战。然而，农民们对最近控制虫害的努力感到鼓舞。

Conclusion

结论

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.

参议院的调查对解决红火蚁威胁的紧迫性敲响了警钟。落实调查建议，包括加强透明度、合作和有针对性的根除工作，对于保护澳大利亚经济、医疗保健系统和环境免受这种入侵物种的破坏性后果至关重要。