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Australia's unique ecosystems are [under / over] threat from an invasive and deadly species – the red fire ant. The tiny ant is [nature / native] to South America, but has spread across the [globe / global] over the past century. It is one of the world's most invasive creatures. It causes extensive [damage / damaging] to crops and agricultural land. It also kills large [number / numbers] of indigenous insects and other animals, [inclusive / including] livestock. The ant's painful and venomous sting can cause severe allergic reactions [on / in] humans. It can also cause [vital / fatal] anaphylactic shock. A spokeswoman for the Minister for Agriculture [said / called] the fire ants "a terrible invasive super-pest, which cause serious social, [economic / economics] and environmental harm".

Red fire ants were first [detected / defected] in Australia in 2001. They have largely been contained [wither / within] the state of Queensland since [that / then] . However, Australia's Invasive Species Council (ISC) says the ants are spreading across the country [up / on] flood waters. They are clinging [to / for] each other in their tens of thousands to form "rafts" on the storm water. An ISC statement said: "Fire ants are more [actively / active] before or after rainfall and can [reform / form] large floating rafts, which move with water currents to establish [footholds / footprints] in new areas." It added: "Our teams are focused on limiting [farther / further] spread." The ISC warned that the fire ants will reach "every corner of Australia" if the current outbreak is not kept [in / out] check.