Busan Port Authority and Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency Jointly Inspect to Prevent Invasive Pests

Busan Port Authority (BPA) conducted a joint inspection on the 6th at the Gamman Pier and Jaseongdae Pier areas in Busan Port, together with related organizations such as the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, to prevent the domestic introduction, spread, and habitation of invasive pests.

The inspection team checked for environments where invasive pests such as the red imported fire ant could inhabit and assessed the risk of further spread. They also carried out environmental cleanup activities, including inspecting the port facility floor, removing trash and weeds on site, to prevent potential habitation of the red imported fire ant.

The red imported fire ant, originally from South America, was discovered with about 150 individuals at Jaseongdae Pier in Busan Port on August 28. Authorities designated a 50-meter radius as a control zone and installed 800 ant traps throughout the pier to conduct epidemiological investigations and disinfection operations.

Joint inspections are being conducted to check environments where invasive pests such as red imported fire ants may inhabit and to assess the risk of further spread.

The red imported fire ant is one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species selected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a habit of attacking people and animals, and if stung, it can cause skin rashes, severe pain, and respiratory difficulties, requiring caution.

Kang Jun-seok, President of BPA, stated, “We will continue to implement preventive measures against invasive pests through mutual cooperation with related organizations in the future,” and added, “We will devote all efforts to inspections and preventive activities within Busan Port to prevent invasive pests introduced from abroad from spreading to the local community.”