Ant hunt: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow oversees disinfection work at Hong Kong Wetland Park.

Samples of the suspected red fire ants found in Hong Kong Wetland Park will be sent to the Mainland, Japan and the UK for examination, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

The lab results are expected within a week.

"It is a new species of ant in Hong Kong, we need to assess how it would affect our ecology and perhaps also how large an extent it has affected our places," Dr Chow said.

The ants' reproductive power is the same as common ants, and Dr Chow urged the public not to panic.

"The only difference is they are more aggressive if you step on them and aggravate them. They bite harder than other ants."

Imports inspected

To ensure all pot plants being sent to local farms and markets are free from the pests, all imported plants are inspected and disinfected at a special treatment area in Ta Kwu Ling.

"Since there are very few agricultural activities in Hong Kong, it would not be too difficult for us to control the situation should we find the ants in Hong Kong," Dr Chow added.

If it is confirmed that the species found in the wetland park is not the red fire ant, the Government may consider handling the incident in another manner, Dr Chow said.

The Government is liaising with Mainland authorities to see whether communications can be improved.