Ryukyu University, Kyoto University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University and the National Institute for Environmental Studies have started a joint project aimed at preventing and controlling the invasion of fire ants, which are foreign ants. Project members will gather at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture on May 2019, 5 to hold a kick-off meeting.
According to the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, in the joint research, Ryukyu University will develop a technology to effectively attract hiari, and Kyoto University will study the effect of the inducing effect of virus infection.The National Institute for Environmental Studies will develop a technology to easily identify and exterminate foreign ants, and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University will try social implementation of these control systems and alien ant monitoring technology in Okinawa Prefecture.
Fire ants are exotic ants native to South America that have alkaloid poisons and are sometimes referred to as "murder ants."Although it is rare for a person to be stabbed to death, it can cause allergic reactions and severe symptoms of hives.
The first landing in Japan was confirmed in Kobe City in 2017, and as of October 2018, a total of about 10 animals have been found in 14 prefectures.They have landed in Japan with containers brought from China, where fire ants already live.Although no wild nests have been found yet, more than 1 have been found in Osaka City, and port workers have been stabbed.
Dr. Masashi Yoshimura of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, who participates in the project, announced a comment that "only in an era when the international movement of people and goods has developed so much, it is necessary for society as a whole to take measures."
