People and pets in firing line if ants not eradicated

A report says unless eradication measures are taken, fire ants will cause millions of vet visits. (Aap Image/AAP PHOTOS)

Dozens of people and thousands of beloved pets could be at risk of death if fire ants spread across Australia.

If red imported fire ants - an invasive species - are not contained, a big spike in stings will cause an extra 623,000 medical visits a year, an Australia Institute report suggested.