Prepare for the fox baiting season now
In preparing for the upcoming fox baiting season, rangers from the Western Livestock Health and Pest Authority are reminding landholders to ensure they have the relevant chemical accreditation to obtain and use 1080 fox baits on their property.
Tim Wall, Western LHPA senior ranger, said the LHPAs are the only suppliers of 1080 fox baits in NSW and are working to ensure their safe use and minimise the risk to non-target animals.
"To be issued with 1080 baits someone working on the property needs to hold a qualification to use 1080," he said.
"The LHPA will continue to assist landholders who do not hold AQF accreditation by offering a new short course developed by the LHPAs and approved by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW to enable landholders to legally use 1080 and Pindone.
"Any landholder who wants to control pest animals such as foxes and rabbits and does not have a current AQF3 certificate should attend the course.
"The course only takes a few hours to complete, and gives landholders a clear understanding of 1080 and Pindone use and their legal obligations."
Mr Wall says the most effective way to control fox populations and reduce the risk to livestock is with targeted group programs, implemented at least twice a year.
"March and April, and prior to lambing seasons, are considered the most effective months in which to carry out control programs. March and April is when foxes are dispersing and finding new territory," said Mr Wall.
"Our rangers can provide advice to landholders on control plans, coordinating group programs, bait placement and the most effective bait types for different conditions."
The course will cost $44. Those completing the course will be issued a certification card and remain accredited to use 1080 and Pindone for five years.
Please contact your local office of the Western LHPA or your local ranger to express an interest in attending a course or get involved in a group baiting program.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378