Mid Coast targets wild dogs in large scale aerial baiting
The Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority will start a large scale aerial baiting program next week to curtail wild dog populations.
The program is being conducted in collaboration with 12 wild dog associations and will cover approximately 200,000 hectares within the Mid Coast LHPA district.
Peter Fotheringham, Mid Coast LHPA senior ranger, says the annual program has been running for over 25 years in some areas and forms an important part of wild dog management in the region.
"Aerial baiting programs such as this are one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of wild dogs, as they can be carried out across large areas and many terrains, particularly those that are remote and inaccessible by other means," he said.
"We have completed extensive research into which areas harbour wild dogs and planned the aerial baiting program based on the findings.
"The aerial baiting will cover a large area spanning from Murrurundi in the northwest of the authority through the Lostock and Salisbury area and northeast to the Manning Catchment.
"Appropriate precautions are in place – 1080 baits will only be placed on properties where the landholder has applied for and been approved by the Mid Coast LHPA and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
"The program will run for about four weeks, starting on 5 June. During this time, people are warned not to take pets into these areas and working dogs should be muzzled while working and chained while not at work."
Mr Fotheringham said aerial baiting is only one tool used in controlling wild dogs in the region and continued ground baiting, shooting and trapping is required to continually suppress populations.
"We recommend that landholders in the areas not involved in aerial baiting coordinate ground baiting around the same time to maximise the effectiveness of the program," said Mr Fotheringham.
The program is carried out in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forests NSW.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378