Browsing ants won’t become perman-ant!

Region: Greater Darwin, Katherine Region | Topic: Biosecurity
Nov 2021

Surveillance marks where browsing ants have been found

Surveillance officers conducting lure surveillance to determine the presence / absence of browsing ants

Until late 2020, the nationally cost-shared National Browsing Ant Eradication Program, Northern Territory (NBAEP NT) was on track to declare eradication from browsing ants (Lepisiota frauenfeldi) on 22 infested premises (IPs) in the Greater Darwin Region by September 2021.

Tracing activities led to a new detection in Kakadu in September 2020, prompting submission of NBAEP NT Response Plan v3.0 to extend the program. On 24 August 2021, the National Biosecurity Management Group (NBMG) approved the plan that aims to eradicate browsing ants from the Territory by September 2023.

Response Plan v3.0 will see the program’s team increase to achieve treatment and surveillance milestones. The final part of the post-treatment surveillance cycle will include surveillance using the odour detection dog from the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program, Queensland. The odour detection dog surveys high-risk sites to show treatment has been effective and provide confidence the program is on track to achieve eradication.

The NBAEP NT appreciates the cooperation and assistance received throughout the program from all stakeholders. We are proud of Territory businesses and their commitment to improving and maintaining good biosecurity practices to help protect Territory’s environment and economy.

To find out more about browsing ants, head to browsing ants on the Northern Territory Government website.

If you think you have seen a suspect ant, please call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

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