The federal government has a domestic quarantine in place to slow the artificial spread of the imported fire ant. The quarantine prohibits the movement of certain articles, particularly nursery stock and other articles with soil attached, unless the articles have been treated in a prescribed manner or are otherwise certified as free of fire ants. The federal government is also involved in research and development of chemical and biological control techniques for managing fire ant populations. Some state and local governments are involved in eradication, control and management. Some government entities fund university and Extension research and education programs. Some small towns and communities are involved in community abatement programs or areawide management programs.