Swarms of locusts sweep across Australian state
- 00:00:56
- ITN
Swarms of locusts sweep across Australian state
Swarms of locusts are sweeping across rural areas in the Australian state of New South Wales a many farmers prepare to harvest their crops. Officials said a low-density swarm 6km long and 170m wide could be seen near Condobolin. Other swarms have been spotted near Wagga, Gundagai and Narrandera. Locusts feed mainly on green vegetation. In some areas, it is the first precious crop in several years, after many seasons of drought. NSW primary industries minister Ian MacDonald said nine special locust-busting aircraft were on standby to treat the swarms if they grew larger or thicker. "Reports of swarm activity coming in to us from a number of areas of the state, particularly in the south and in the central west," said Mr McDonald "A couple of these swarms have reached significant size, one of which is about six kilometres long and about 170 metres deep." He continued: "This is quite a significant swarm. The government, in response, placed on standby nine aircraft ready to hit the swarms so that they don't become a major problem in parts of the state. "The problem is that at this time, locusts seek out green fodder and so anything growing at this point of time would be attacked fairly severely by locusts."
ITN | November 18, 2008
