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Project No.4-419-0381 August 29,2019 Page No. 16 3.3.8.4 Fire Ants The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is an invasive species of insect. The ant is distinguished by its ten- segmented antennae,which have two-segmented clubs. The ants range from reddish-brown to dark brown in color and from 3 to 6 mm in length. Total damage caused by RIFA per year in the Southern United States exceeds $1 billion. The ants prey on the seeds of crops such as corn, soybeans, and okra. They also cause damage to irrigation systems and disrupt harvesting operations. Stings from the ants result in the deaths of livestock and domestic animals. RIFA not only cause agricultural damage,but they also cause$11.2 million in electrical damages per year. The ants damage electrical components by either chewing through insulation or by carrying soil into components. Human health problems arise as a result of people being stung by RIFA. RIFA stings usually result in the formation of a white pustule,which takes 10 days to heal. If the pustule ruptures before healing,the wound and surrounding area may become infected.Sensitive individuals may have an allergic reaction to the stings, perhaps resulting in anaphylactic shock or, in extreme cases, death. There are several methods used to control the growing RIFA population. Pesticides are not used often, because they are highly toxic and may cause harm to native fauna as well. Therefore, the main types of control are targeted mound drenches,baits, and biological control. 3.3.8.5 Psittacosis Psittacosis is an infectious disease in humans that has mild, non-specific flu-like symptoms. Psittacosis refers to any infection or disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci,one of several microorganisms in the genus Chlamydia. This disease can be transmitted from infected birds to humans. Chlamydia psittaci infects wild and domestic birds and poultry. Birds which contract the infection include parrots,canaries,pigeons,chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The time between exposure to Chlamydia psittaci and the onset of illness in caged birds ranges from three days to several weeks. Sick birds show signs of. • Sleepiness; • Shivering; • Weight loss; • Breathing difficulties; and • Diarrhea. Birds can have a latent infection. That means they appear healthy and do not show any symptoms now but they can show symptoms later. These infected birds carrying the Chlamydia psittaci bacteria may shed the organism intermittently or sometimes continuously for weeks or months. Stress associated with nutritional deficiencies, overcrowding, breeding, egg-laying, and prolonged transport may cause birds with a latent infection to shed infectious agents. When shedding occurs, the infected birds excrete the bacteria in the feces and nasal discharges and can remain infective for several months. Humans can become infected with Chlamydia psittaci by breathing in the organism when the urine, respiratory secretion, or dried feces of infected birds is aerosolized (i.e., dispersed in the air as very fine droplets or dust particles).Other sources of exposure include mouth-to-beak contact,a bite from an infected bird,and handling the plumage and tissues of infected birds. 0,1 SALEM engineering group. inc.