Continued vigilance key to wild dog success
Wild dog management programs coordinated by the Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) in the Oakdale and Orangeville areas are delivering results for landholders.
Cumberland LHPA ranger, Lee Parker, says stock losses have been minimised following baiting and trapping activities in rural areas adjacent to the Nattai National Park and Burragorang State Recreation Area.
"The loss of 13 sheep, believed to have been attacked by eight wild dogs that were identified on remote cameras, just before Christmas prompted a landholder in the Oakdale area to contact the Cumberland LHPA for assistance," said Mr Parker.
"We coordinated baiting on the property, and also on the neighbouring public land, and subsequent monitoring of remote camera footage has shown that to date there has been no wild dog activity in the area and importantly there have been no more stock losses.
"Another baiting program on rural land in nearby Orangeville successfully removed six wild dogs from the area before Christmas."
Orangeville landholder Eric Rudd says he is very pleased with the results he has seen on-farm from working with the LHPA rangers to manage wild dogs.
"After losing over 100 sheep to wild dog attacks, which was nearly half of my flock, the Cumberland LHPA rangers helped me to manage the problem and I’m happy to report I haven’t had any more stock losses since May 2011," said Mr Rudd.
Mr Parker said LHPA rangers can assist landholders in controlling wild dogs by providing 1080 baits and the training required to use these (restrictions apply), as well as advice on trapping programs. The most effective results can be achieved when several landholders coordinate their programs.
"In 2011, the Cumberland LHPA assisted landholders in the Orangeville and Oakdale areas trap a total of 16 dogs. This is a significant reduction of the threat posed to livestock in the area and does not take account of the dogs that have been removed through baiting programs," said Mr Parker.
Mr Parker added that wild dogs can carry parasites and diseases which can affect livestock, working dogs, and also people, meaning wild dog control is important to everyone.
For more information on wild dog management, contact your local LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Neville 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378