Central West prepares for fox baiting season
In preparing for the upcoming fox baiting season, rangers from the Central West Livestock Health and Pest Authority will be distributing fox baits at a range of locations across the district over the coming weeks.
Lisa Thomas, Central West LHPA senior ranger, says strategic and targeted fox baiting is required to ensure predation on livestock, particularly young lambs, is reduced.
"We are asking landholders to prepare for the upcoming fox baiting season by pre-ordering baits, which will be available for pick-up over the coming weeks," she said.
"The pick-ups will also serve as an information day for landholders, where rangers and vets will be on hand to provide advice on animal health, weed control and other topics, as well representatives from the Rural Assistance Authority and the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad.
"They will be held at over 30 locations, including Dunedoo, Trangie, Elong Elong, Peak Hill, Yeoval, Tomingley and many more."
Ms Thomas says the most effective way to control fox populations and reduce the risk to livestock is with targeted group programs, implemented at least twice a year.
"March and April, and prior to lambing seasons, are considered the most effective months in which to carry out control programs. March and April is when foxes are dispersing and finding new territory," said Ms Thomas.
"This has been confirmed in a recently published study conducted by Industry & Investment NSW, with input from LHPAs, in the central west region. The study also found that farmers who participated in co-ordinated fox baiting programs with their neighbours can increase lamb survival rates by up to 20 per cent.
"Our rangers can provide advice to landholders on control plans, coordinating group programs, bait placement and the most effective bait types for different conditions."
Landholders must either have a current AQF 3 chemical card or have successfully completed the new 1080/Pindone training with the authority to enable them to obtain 1080 or Pindone baits.
For details of your nearest fox bait pick-up contact your local LHPA office or visit the website at http://www.lhpa.org.au/districts/centralwest. Fox bait pre-orders and payments can be made through your local LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378