Sydney suburb Enfield plunged into biosecurity lockdown after discovery of deadly 'super pest' that could cost Australia $2billion a year https://t.co/5H7WNrmqIe
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) October 26, 2026
The detection of a pest with the ability to wreak havoc on Australia’s economy has triggered a biosecurity lockdown of a busy suburb in Sydney’s inner-west.
From today, Enfield is subject to a strict biosecurity control order after fire ants were discovered at the suburb’s freight centre in late September.
The lockdown covers a two kilometre radius from the Enfield intermodal logistics centre, where red fire ants – likely to have been imported from overseas via a shipping container – were discovered.
Fire ants are notorious for their extremely painful sting and pose a major threat to agriculture and native wildlife.
They can sting their victims repeatedly and may trigger potentially deadly anaphylaxis in people with an allergy, although fatal reactions are rare.
The Invasive Species Council has previously warned the spread of the ‘super pest’ could cost the Australian economy up to $2billion a year.
Despite nine sniffer dogs and 60 personnel not finding any more of the invasive pests since the initial detection, NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no chances would be taken.
‘For most people, daily life will continue as normal. People can go to work, visit friends and family, and move around the area as they always do,’ she said.
AC
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