Call for Veterinary Input: Fire Ant Baiting and Potential Impacts on Non-Target Species

The AVA QLD Division is seeking input from members in response to concerns raised about the potential health impacts of fire ant bait ingestion on domestic animals and wildlife in areas of South East Queensland where mass aerial baiting is underway.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program, led by Biosecurity Queensland and supported by the APVMA under emergency use permits, has expanded its baiting operations as part of a coordinated effort to control red imported fire ants. Aerial baiting is one of several approved strategies being used, with updated permits allowing for specific bait products to be applied over large areas, including peri-urban and environmentally sensitive locations.

While the fire ant baits used are approved under emergency permits and considered safe when applied according to label directions, the AVA is aware of community concern around possible unintended impacts on non-target species. We are calling on veterinarians in affected regions to let us know if they have encountered, or are aware of, any clinical cases in domestic animals or wildlife that may be linked to the ingestion of fire ant bait products.

If you have seen suspected adverse effects, please consider submitting a report to the APVMA’s Adverse Experience Reporting Program.

We would also appreciate hearing directly from members about any such cases. If enough substantive evidence of concern is gathered, the AVA may consider formally raising animal welfare concerns with the relevant authorities.

Please email your observations or concerns to robyn.whitaker@ava.com.au by 1/7/25.