The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji has confirmed that the Little Fire Ants was never detected at the Border or on an imported item however, it can easily be spread through the importation of used farm implements and machinery, shipping containers, yachts, vessels, and even natural disasters such as cyclones.
BAF says they have an active surveillance system at Borders, including the sites identified as high-risk areas, such as facilities handling imported products and through this early warning system, the Little Fire Ants were never intercepted in the surveillance system.
They say over the years, BAF has intensified this surveillance and extended it to outer and inland surveillance as well.
The Authority says Fiji has been surrounded by countries having LFA for years such as Australia, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, Guam, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu therefore, LFA may have been present in Fiji, as it was already reported.
BAF says to avoid the spread of the LFA, they have been prioritizing detecting the infested areas through ongoing active surveillance and the engagement of public feedback as they work on public awareness through social media and mass media to educate the public on preventive measures and encourage cooperation in promptly reporting and addressing potential LFA infestations.
They say to prevent the spread of Little Fire Ants and minimize the risk of infestation, individuals can take several precautionary measures including inspecting and cleaning when moving to any new locations, avoiding transporting soil from one area to another, checking vehicles properly and inspecting and clean vehicles, Be vigilant during travelling, report suspected infestations, monitor surroundings regularly and cooperate with Biosecurity measures.
The Authority further says that on the island of Beqa, BAF conducts monthly surveillance and response (treatment) and this week a team in Beqa is conducting this response activity where they lay the surveillance bait and response bait which contains protein (attractant food) and poisonous chemicals.
