Hudson College Alumnus Publishes Research on Fire Ant Spread and Public Health Risks in Oklahoma

Michael Clark, MS, an alumnus and valued colleague of the Hudson College of Public Health, recently published his master’s thesis in the Journal of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. His timely and regionally focused study, Examination of Invasive Fire Ant Spread Through Allergy Cases with Climate Patterns in Oklahoma from 2015 to 2022 and the Public Health Impacts, investigates the growing presence and public health threats posed by the Red Imported Fire Ant (RI FA) in Oklahoma.

First introduced to the United States in the 1930s, Solenopsis invicta has steadily migrated northward, bringing with it serious implications for agriculture, infrastructure, and human health. Known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, RI FA pose not only nuisance but danger – especially to individuals with severe allergies but also infants, the elderly, and others with low mobility.

Clark’s research analyzed RI FA-related Venom Immunotherapy cases in Oklahoma over an eight-year span, comparing them to climate data including average air and surface temperatures and drought indices. While the study found moderate correlations, no statistically significant relationships between climate variables and case distribution emerged. However, geospatial mapping revealed that the majority of incidents were concentrated in regions outside of the current USDA fire ant quarantine area.

The key takeaway from Clark’s work: while recent climate data alone may not predict the ant’s expansion, the need for proactive public health measures remains urgent. As RI FA continue to adapt to cooler environments, Clark stresses the importance of ongoing monitoring, integrated pest management strategies, and community education—particularly through Agricultural Extension programs—to reduce the risk and spread of these dangerous pests.

Clark’s research is not only a valuable contribution to public health literature, but also an example of applied science supporting real-world solutions. We are proud to celebrate his work and its impact on the health and safety of Oklahomans.