China confirms red fire ants found in mainland

China confirmed Monday that potentially destructive red fire ants have been found in parts of southern Guangdong province, but insisted it can control their spread. The ants, which mainly assault plants but also sting human beings and animals, triggering potentially fatal allergic reactions in some cases, were found in parts of Guangdong's Wuchuan city, the Xinhua news agency cited the Ministry of Agriculture as saying.
It did not say when the ants were discovered.
The Hong Kong government had said earlier this month that Chinese customs officials launched a crackdown on exports after infestations were found in nurseries in Shenzhen city, which borders Hong Kong, and Wuchuan.
Ant hills were recently found in Hong Kong and officials there last week said China failed to notify the former British colony even as it warned Chinese provinces of the threat from the native South American insects two months ago.
Xinhua said Monday the agriculture ministry has adopted an emergency plan to control the spread of the ants, ordering areas where the insects have been found to be closed off.
It has also launched inspections in areas across the country with suitable environments for the insects, Xinhua said.
The ants are currently found only sporadically in mainland China, Wang Shoucong, deputy director of the ministry's crop growing department, was quoted saying.
No severe personal injuries have been reported and the trade in agricultural products has not been affected, he said.
Following the discovery in Guangdong, the State Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Administration also ordered ports to step up inspections of some import and export products, including seeds, flowers and ornamental plants.
Guangdong is a major production base for flowers and vegetables, with a large quantity of farm produce exported to Hong Kong, Macau and foreign markets.
Officials are also monitoring greenhouses and nurseries in Guangdong.
Territory-wide inspections have also been launched in Hong Kong, where officials believe the ants were probably imported in potted plants.
The insects voraciously devour crops and can cause billions of dollars in damage to agriculture.