New England LHPA prepares for wild dog aerial baiting
Rangers from the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority are preparing to carry out a large scale baiting program targeting wild dogs from Nundle along the Great Dividing Range to the Queensland border.
Coordinated by the New England LHPA, the annual wild dog baiting program brings together 21 wild dog associations, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, and Forests NSW.
New England LHPA senior ranger, Peter Frizell, says planning is underway for the program to kick off in late autumn.
"Planning meetings with all parties are critical to determine where baiting will occur and the best time for it to be undertaken. We ask all landholders to report any wild dog sightings or attacks so we can monitor their locations which will assist with the planning," he said.
"Once we have identified the hot spot areas we use GPS technology to develop digitised maps of the baiting lines. These form part of the application for strategic aerial baiting which is submitted to the Director-General, Industry & Investment NSW.
"We are also in the process of updating our Wild Dog Management Plans in consultation with the relevant government bodies. Once this is finalised we will work with each wild dog association to reach an agreement on local wild dog management."
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.
"Prior to undertaking the aerial baiting, we encourage and coordinate ground baiting which aims to reduce the fox populations and increase the likelihood that the aerial baits will target wild dogs," Mr Frizell said.
Mr Frizell also reminded landholders to ensure that they have the relevant chemical accreditation to obtain and use 1080 baits on their property.
"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," said Mr Frizell.
For further information on wild dog baiting programs or 1080 accreditation requirements contact your local LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378