[Press Release] About confirmation of fire ants in Yokohama Port

　On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, ants (approximately 1,200 or more) found in the container of Yokohama Port Yamashita-Futo on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, as a result of identifying species by experts requested by the Ministry of the Environment, Wednesday, July 17 Was confirmed to be a specific alien species.
　The container has been closed and fumigation will be carried out in the future. Around the confirmation point, insecticide bait (Bate agent) etc. is installed.
　There was no human damage in this case.

1 Background
7/8 A container ship loaded with the container departs from Amoy, China.
7/11 via Tokyo Port.
7/12 Entered at Yokohama Port Honmoku Pier and unloaded the container.
7/16 Containers were transported by land from Honmoku Pier to the cargo handling area at the Shimo Wharf.
　　　　While the operator is unloading from the container, the operator finds suspicious ants in the container.
　　　　Work ants (approximately 700 or more), pupa (about 100 or more), and eggs (about 100 or more) were confirmed.
　　　　The insecticide treatment is performed using spray-type insecticide and insecticide bait (Bate agent), and closed the container door.
　　　　Insecticide bait (Bate agent) is installed outside the container and around unloaded cargo.
　　　　When Yokohama City confirmed the insect that had been killed, it was suspected of a fire ant, so Yokohama City reported it to the Kanto Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment.
7/17 Ministry of the Environment Kanto Regional Environment Office staff, Yokohama City officials and businesses confirmed ants (approximately 300 or more) on cargo in containers.
　　　　After performing insecticide treatment of the confirmed ants, the unloaded cargo was moved into the container and closed.
　　　　The Kanto Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment asked an expert to identify and confirm that it was a fire ant.
From July 18 onwards, the business operator will carry out fumigation treatment for all cargo in the container.
　　　　　Insecticide bait (Bate agent) will be installed around the area where Honmoku Pier is unloaded.

2 About the ants confirmed this time
　At Yokohama Port, more than 1,200 ants (more than 1,000 worker ants, 100 or more eggs) were found inside containers, outside cargo, and on the floor.

3 Future Responses
　Yokohama City will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of the Environment, etc., to conduct surveys mainly in places where the container at Honmoku Pier was unloaded and around the confirmation point of Yamashita-Futo. In addition, for the cargo after the fumigation process, check with the presence of the business operator to see if there are any fire ants in the cargo.
　In addition, we will alert port officials and share information with related organizations.

4 To Business Operators
（1） What to note
・If the fire ant is stimulated, it may be stabbed.
・If you find an individual or nest that is suspected to be a fire ant, do not irritate (try to step on an ant or break the nest).
（2） How to deal with stabbed
・First, rest (about 20 to 30 minutes). If your condition changes suddenly, consult your nearest hospital.
・At the time of consultation, please tell them that you have been stuck by an ant and that you may have anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).