A red imported fire ant (RIFA) has been found in Tasmania after it arrived in a package from Queensland.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment say the female ant was found inside a package containing “plant material” at an Australia Post parcel centre in the southern part of the state.
“Biosecurity Tasmania have traced the package and additional surveillance and trapping operations have been put in place,” they said.
“This border interception does not mean there has been an incursion into the state and Tasmania remains free from RIFA.”
The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
RIFA are notorious for their destructive impact on plants, animals, electrical equipment and ecosystems.
Biosecurity Tasmania encourages all Tasmanians to report anything unusual, particularly if traveling from Queensland.
