16 November 2007
An application to aerially apply granular ant baits has been approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand). MAF Biosecurity New Zealand made the application to help eradicate the red imported fire ant (RIFA), and potentially other invasive ant species.
ERMA New Zealand General Manager Hazardous Substances Andrea Eng says
the fire ant, a native of South America, poses a significant threat to
the environment and the aerial application of baits would be an
effective control. RIFA, Solenopsis Invicta, has a necrotising alkaloid
venom which produces an intense burning sensation. A very aggressive
species, there are reports from the United States of new-born calves
being killed by the ants.
The fire ant was found in June 2006 at Whirinaki, north of Napier, and
the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF
BNZ) is working with the local community to eradicate it. MAF BNZ has
used ground application of two baits – Distance and Engage – since 2006,
with some aerial drops being carried out under a special emergency
approval. This approval expired on 30 June 2007 and MAF BNZ applied for
permanent approval to apply the baits from the air.
MAF BNZ intends using the baits as part of a three-year programme
targeting the Whirinaki ant incursion and advised the Authority that the
operation to treat up to 400ha of land, including a large rural tract
and some inaccessible areas, was only feasible if conducted aerially,
and that there were no suitable ant baits approved for this use in New
Zealand.
Andrea Eng says the Authority considers that the aerial application of
the ant baits, with appropriate controls, would be an effective means of
eradicating RIFA and other exotic ant species, such as the Singapore ant
or tropical fire ant. “In order to minimise the risks to non-target
species, the Authority has ruled aerial operations can only take place
subject to strict conditions. The baits must be under the direct control
of an Approved Handler and Distance must not be dropped over bodies of
water.”
However, the Authority acknowledges that aerial application of the
substances might cause public concern and has imposed a control
requiring users to obtain permission for aerial drops. This will allow
for public consultation and for conditions to be set based on local
circumstances.
The maximum application rate for the two ant baits has been limited to 2
kg/ha. Engage and Distance are not classified as toxic to humans and the
risk to birds from the baits is judged to be low.
For further information contact:
Mark Walles, Senior Communications Adviser, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 4 918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64 4 914 0433 • Email:
mark.walles@ermanz.govt.nz