LHPA reminder on feral pig control options
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPAs) are reminding landholders that the use of the chemical CSSP in feral pig control will be restricted from the end of this month.
The existing permit issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority will expire on June 30 and it will then be illegal to use CSSP Phosphorous Pig Poison in all areas across the state.
The only exception will be an extension of the permit in the Western, Darling and North West LHPAs, who will be permitted to use up existing stocks of the chemical until 31 December 2009.
LHPA Pest Animal and Insect Manager, Tim Seears, said there were still many avenues of effective feral pig control open to landholders and LHPAs would also continue to assist with widespread control programs.
“The use of 1080 is an effective method of control and your local LHPA ranger can help supply and prepare approved baits such as pellets and grain.
“Trapping is also effective and traps may be available from your local LHPA office,” Tim Seears said.
LHPAs also manage and coordinate several aerial pig shoots across the state each year which are funded for environmental reasons by local Catchment Management Authorities and Commonwealth grants.
“Two aerial shoots across the Brewarrina, Wanaaring and Bourke areas over the last three months have netted more than five and a half thousand feral pigs,” Tim Seears said.
Feral pigs cause significant economic, environmental and agricultural losses by damaging crops, pastures, water holes and fencing and by killing lambs and sheep.
“Landholders experiencing feral pig activity are encouraged to contact their local LHPA office for advice and help on the most effective methods of control for their situation,” Tim Seears added.
It is also an offence to transport, keep or release feral pigs and any suspected cases should be reported to your local LHPA office or police to investigate.
For further information regarding the CSSP restrictions and alternatives for feral pig control contact your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority office or visit www.lhpa.org.au
MEDIA CONTACT: Bruce Reynolds or Helen Gosper (02) 6391 3242