Training reminder with fox baiting season drawing close

With the fox baiting season about to commence Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are reminding landholders to ensure they have the relevant chemical accreditation to obtain and use 1080 fox baits on their property.

Livestock Health and Pest Authority State Management Council Pest Animal Manager, Tim Seears, said rangers would need to sight at a minimum a current AQF3 chemical handling accreditation and competency card before issuing baits.

“Livestock Health and Pest Authorities 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.

 “As such authorities are now enforcing the requirement to hold the correct chemical accreditation and help achieve compliance with a new Pesticide Control Order for 1080 products which came into effect late last year.

“March and April are considered the most effective months in which to carry out control programs when foxes are dispersing and finding new territory.

“We are encouraging landholders who have not yet completed the relevant training to contact their local authority who can help them locate a suitable course in their region or online training option.

“Landholders should also check the expiry date on their chemical training cards and to do a refresher course if necessary,” Tim Seears said.

Foxes are Australia’s number one predator and are estimated to cost agricultural industries and the environment more than $200 million each year.

In uncontrolled areas foxes have been shown to cause lamb losses of up to 30% and are also known to target other domestic animals such as calves, goats, deer, water fowl and poultry.

They also cause significant environmental damage by preying on many species of native wildlife and spreading weeds such as blackberries.

‘The most effective way to control fox populations and reduce the risk to livestock and the environment is with ongoing and intensive baiting programs particularly from March to April and prior to lambing seasons.

“I urge all landholders to complete the relevant training and bring their AQF3 card with then when picking up baits or placing an order with their local authority,” Tim Seears said.

Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are also on hand to provide help and advice to landholders on control plans, coordinating group programs, bait placement and the most effective bait types for different conditions.

For further information and to find out about chemical training options in your area contact your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (formerly your local RLPB).

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378