정부, '붉은불개미' 확산차단 긴급회의
Over the past week, red fire ants have been found in major South Korean ports.
After thousands of venomous ants were discovered in Busan on Wednesday, the government vowed to tighten inspections.
Ko Roon-hee introduces to us the new measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on Friday it would tighten inspections after more than three-thousand red fire ants were discovered at Busan Port on Wednesday.
"We will closely inspect containers carrying 32 items, including coconut shells and lauan wood. This is because these containers are highly likely to carry red fire ants."
The ministry also said it would urge importers to voluntarily carry out disinfection work…if they are shipping products from viable habitats for red fire ants…such as China.
This is the fourth time this year a group of fire ants was discovered in South Korea.
In February, one red fire ant was discovered at Incheon port.
In May, two red fire ants were found.
And on Monday, more than seven-hundred of the venomous ants were discovered at Pyeongtaek Port…before the thousands found in Busan.
There are worries about discovering a queen ant…because this means there is a high possibility of reproduction and further spread across the country.
However, according to quarantine officials, there have been no signs of a queen ant as of yet.
An expert in this field said immature queen ants were found in Busan...but they have failed to grow.
"Immature versions of queen ants, also known as princess ants, were found at Busan port. However, it seems like they have failed to fly…which is necessary to mate with male ants and reproduce."
Red fire ants' stings can cause itchy sores, dizziness and breathing difficulties.
Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.
