Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is spreading awareness about this program important?

A. Many residents are unaware the program is operating in their area until after treatments have already occurred. The chemicals used, including insect growth regulators and broadcast pesticides, may impact local ecosystems, pets, and potentially human health. The more people who are informed, the stronger the collective voice becomes when raising concerns and advocating for safer, more transparent approaches.

For friends and neighbours who are unsure about the program, we encourage you to share these documentary films, which provide valuable on-the-ground evidence of what residents, farmers, and communities are experiencing:

These films explore the scientific, health, environmental, social, and economic concerns associated with the current approach and help people understand why many in the community are calling for safer alternatives.

Q. What should I do if I find dead or sick wildlife, pets or livestock after treatment?

A. Document everything immediately. Take photos or video of the animal and its surroundings, noting the date, time, and exact location. If the animal is still alive but unwell, seek urgent veterinary assistance and inform the vet of any recent fire ant treatment in the area.

If the animal is wildlife, avoid handling it with bare hands. If it is your own pet or livestock, handle as needed but consider using gloves where possible, particularly if symptoms are unexplained.

Make a note of when treatment occurred (if known), whether bait was visible on the ground, and when symptoms or death were first observed—timing is important.

Red flags to watch for include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea (including blood in diarrhoea)

• Lethargy or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Rashes, skin irritation, or hair loss

• Breathing difficulties or coughing

• Drooling or excessive salivation

• Tremors, twitching, or seizures

• Uncoordinated movement or difficulty standing

• Sudden collapse or unexplained death

• Multiple animals becoming sick at the same time

If possible, request a veterinary report and ask the vet to note any recent exposure to fire ant treatments, especially if ingestion of bait may have occurred.

You may also consider diagnostic testing, including blood tests or liver function tests, which can help assess potential toxicity. Some specialised testing for chemicals such as pyriproxyfen or s-methoprene may be available, however these tests can be expensive (approximately $400) and are time-sensitive. If an animal has died, samples must be collected promptly and the body kept cool (e.g. on ice) to preserve evidence.

For wildlife, you may wish to contact organisations such as Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital or other wildlife care groups, particularly if multiple animals are affected, as this increases the likelihood of investigation.

Post-mortem (autopsy) reports, blood tests, and especially liver analysis can be valuable forms of evidence when investigating potential toxicity in pets or livestock.

Please report wildlife deaths or illness to:

1300 130 372 or email: Wildlife.Operations@detsi.qld.gov.au

You should also contact the 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372 (option 2) or email pollutionhotline@des.qld.gov.au for any environmental contamination concerns, including waterways.

Then submit your experience via our confidential reporting form here:

We are collating this data to provide to lawyers for potential future class action. All information remains confidential, and you may stay anonymous if you prefer.

You should also report the incident to the APVMA Adverse Experience Reporting Program:

www.apvma.gov.au/regulation/adverse-experience-reporting-program

Please let us know once you have submitted a report, as authorities have indicated they are not receiving sufficient reports.

Q. What should I do if I have health issues?

A. Seek medical attention first—your health comes before anything else. Once you’re safe, document your symptoms, their onset, and any known exposure to fire ant treatments in your area. Keep records of any medical visits or diagnoses.

Please complete our confidential reporting form:

We are collating this data to provide to lawyers for potential future class action. All information remains confidential, and you may stay anonymous if you prefer.

You should also report the incident to the APVMA Adverse Experience Reporting Program:

www.apvma.gov.au/regulation/adverse-experience-reporting-program

Please let us know once you have submitted a report, as authorities have indicated they are not receiving sufficient reports.

Q. What should I do if I receive a notice?

A. Do not ignore it, but take the time to carefully review it. Note the scheduled treatment date, the chemicals listed, and the issuing authority.

You can formally object and clearly state that you do not consent to treatment on your property.

At this time, residents may wish to request that no treatment occurs until the current court case is heard, as this case is challenging the validity of the program.

Contact your local MP and raise your concerns directly. You can also contact the Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Tony Perrett (primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au), and copy (CC) your correspondence to Senator Malcolm Roberts (senator.roberts@aph.gov.au), who has been actively raising concerns in the Senate, as well as your relevant federal representatives.

For guidance, see our 10-step plan here:

This outlines practical steps and alternative approaches you can consider.

Stay Connected

If you would like to stay informed, connect with others, or receive updates on legal matters and important developments, please leave your details in the contact form.

We use this to share updates about the fire ant program, community actions, and ongoing legal challenges.

Alternatively, you can contact us directly via email: