The article highlights that hay and straw are ideal host materials for these dangerous ants, making imported fodder a key biosecurity concern. To combat this risk, strict purchasing requirements have been put in place. Fodder originating from a location with a RIFA-area freedom certificate is considered safe. However, products from infested zones must meet specific inspection and treatment requirements and be certified by an agricultural officer from the state of origin, creating a new layer of complexity for farmers and suppliers in dairy economics.

For farmers importing feed, the article specifies the types of documentation required for products from high-risk zones. Purchases must be accompanied by one of four specific certificates: a Plant Health Certificate (PHC), a Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC), a Biosecure HACCP Biosecurity Certificate (BHBC), or a Plant Health Declaration (PHD). These measures are designed to ensure that the fodder has been properly inspected and treated, protecting farms from a potentially devastating infestation.

The threat of a RIFA incursion is not to be underestimated. If these ants were to establish themselves in Victoria, the consequences would be severe. The invasive species is known to cause extensive damage to crops, harm livestock, disrupt agricultural operations, and pose a direct risk to people and wildlife. This potential for widespread damage places a high priority on biosecurity, making vigilant inspection and compliance with certification rules an essential part of daily farm management.