A report warns that halting funding for Australia's fire ant eradication could lead to $38 billion in economic losses over 30 years.

Fire ants threaten agriculture, tourism, human health, and native wildlife, with up to 650,000 people at risk of stings annually.

The National Allergy Centre highlights the risk of fatal allergic reactions due to fire ant stings.

Experts suggest that the current government funding for ant eradication is insufficient, advocating for a near doubling of the budget.

The federal Environment Department emphasizes the risks to native fauna, particularly arboreal species and young animals in nests.