The Queensland Government has announced it will build a new purpose-built odour detector dog facility in Cairns to strengthen the fight against electric ants in Far North Queensland.
The facility will provide a permanent home for the National Electric Ant Eradication Program’s odour detection dogs.
Electric ants are one of the world’s most invasive pests and can affect human health and lifestyle, blind pets, damage the environment and have the potential to severely impact agricultural industries, the Government said in a statement.
The new 10-kennel facility’s first residents will be Spencer (pictured), a springer spaniel, and Macy, a labrador, whose highly specialised detection skills play a critical role in confirming if electric ant infestations have been successfully eradicated.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said the Government was strengthening protections in the north, where biosecurity risks are greatest.
“I have said time and time again that biosecurity is Queensland’s first line of defence,” Minister Perrett said.
“It’s the linchpin of our primary industries, keeping our producers viable and our markets open, and the Crisafulli Government takes it very seriously.
“Electric ants are one of the world’s worst invasive pests, which is where dogs like Spencer and Macy are invaluable to the eradication effort.
“They deserve a proper home to work from, and this facility gives the program the capacity to keep that work going for years to come.
“Strong biosecurity underpins our goal of growing primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, and every threat we keep out or stamp out helps our producers get there.”
If you suspect you have found electric ants, you must report them within 24 hours online or by calling Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
