Eliminate tomorrow’s fox today
The Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) is gearing up to undertake its annual spring fox baiting program in the south west of the authority district.
Starting in mid August, 1080 baits will be laid in local travelling stock reserves and local landholders are urged to bait at the same time, says Deniliquin based Riverina LHPA Ranger Scott Watkins.
"Group control programs are the most effective way to reduce pest impacts on your land, as individual baiting programs leave all neighbouring properties as sources for re-infestation," he said.
"The LHPA has been coordinating fox baiting groups in the Riverina district since 1990 – more than twenty years now – and we’re keen to keep the momentum going.
"Traditionally we always have good numbers during our autumn baiting but people tend to drop off and not follow up with a spring baiting.
"To have a long-term impact and reduce fox numbers it is important to bait at least twice a year; baiting in spring targets whelping vixens, hence eliminating future generations of foxes."
Mr Watkins said there will be a number of locations where members of the fox groups can pick-up pre-ordered baits, and also access the latest livestock health and pest information from LHPA staff.
"Our Senior District Vet Dan Salmon will be attending the pick-ups, providing advice on current livestock health issues and the Rangers attending can also give advice on current pest issues including mice, rabbits and feral pigs," said Mr Watkins.
"For those people who are interested in participating in baiting, but do not hold a current AQF 3 chemical card, the Riverina LHPA can provide 1080 and Pindone accreditation training."
Mr Watkins also encouraged landholders to consider other pest species they wished to target for group control programs and to discuss their options with the LHPA Rangers at the pick-ups.
"Currently we have rabbit control programs operating, but we’re looking at starting a feral pig control program across the district to help combat populations currently causing damage to the environment, farmers’ crops and livestock," said Mr Watkins.
If landholders have questions on pest programs currently operating or would like to start a group pest control program contact either Scott Watkins or Michael Mullins at the Deniliquin office.
For more information on spring fox baiting, or to register interest in attending a 1080 and Pindone training course, contact the Deniliquin office on 03 5881 1055.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378