/Agencia EFE
Japanese authorities found in recent days more than 10,000 fire ants, an invasive and venomous species, in a cargo ship from China, as stated in a communication by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
In addition to the ants, about 8,000 eggs, larvae, and pupae of the species, native to South America, scientifically known as solenopsis invicta, were found.
The insects were initially discovered on the exterior of a container that had been unloaded at the Port of Aomi, in Tokyo, after which more were found on the ground and in another container.
According to Japanese authorities, the ship that transported the containers departed from the Port of Xiamen, in China, on September 26, and arrived in Tokyo on the 30th.
That same day, port workers found about 40 ants on the roof of one of the containers, and alerted the authorities of the Ministry of the Environment.
Ministry workers later found numerous ants in the area, sealed the containers, and sprayed everything with insecticide. By October 3, they no longer found any more fire ants.
The red imported fire ant is a venomous species native to South America, capable of causing death with its sting, which provokes a strong burning sensation and can generate anaphylaxis in some people.
