Society

Gov't starts search for fire ants at 68 ports

Aug 03 (Japan Today) - The Japanese government launched a search Wednesday for venomous fire ants at the 68 ports that regularly receive shipping containers from other countries including China.

The Environment Ministry and the transport ministry began the search from the Port of Yokohama, near Tokyo, where more than 700 fire ants have been found in a crack in asphalt at its container yard in July.

The ministry plans to install receptacles to trap the ants on three separate occasions between now and the end of October. If fire ants are found, it will take measures to deal with them, including putting out poisonous feed.

"By confirming (their existence) early, we want to start taking steps to prevent their entry (into the country)," said Environment Ministry official Yusuke Miyake.

Fire ants -- native to South America -- enter into Japan with containers shipped from overseas. They are known for their sting, which can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can lead to breathing problems and even death.

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