Theassistance of odour detection dogs has the Northern Territory Government ontrack to eradicate browsing ants from the NT by November 2021.
BlackLabradors Willow and Cola are visiting the Territory this month as part of theNational Browsing Ant Eradication Program and have been visiting localproperties to sniff out the pests.
Thepair are the only dogs in the world trained to detect invasive ants and play avital role in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases byidentifying exotic pests.
Thereare currently 20 properties in Darwin that have had browsing ants detected onthe premise, including sites in East Arm, Frances Bay, Berrimah and WickhamPoint.
Odourdetection dogs surveillance abilities are integral to sniffing out the pestsas their ability to cover two hectares a day makes them much more efficientthan traditional visual surveillance methods; which involve humans walking andscanning the ground or attracting ants to food baits.
Thedogs have begun surveillance at a recently-detected infested site at atransport logistics business in East Arm and identified a nest at the base of alight pole, as well as five other areas of browsing ant activity which havebeen treated.
Programstaff are working closely with the business to ensure the risk is contained andthere is minimal disruption to their operational activities.
Browsingants are exotic to Australia and pose a threat to Australias environment andagricultural industries.
Ifyou think you see a browsing ant population contact the Exotic Plant PestHotline on 1800 084 881.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources,Paul Kirby:
As well as creating jobs, the Territory Labor Government isprotecting the jobs we already have.
Ouragricultural sector is worth $500 million and employs hundreds of Territorians,so it is vital we do all we can to eradicate pests that could jeopardise thesuccess of the industry.
Theants have been contained due to ongoing activities by the Northern TerritoryDepartment of Primary Industry and Resources, which involved tracing,surveillance, baiting and spraying and have not been detected in any otherparts of the NT.
