Baits put the bite on feral animals

Landholders will get easier access to 1080 baits to support them in the fight against pest animals under a new system being developed by the Newman Government and the Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG).

Speaking in Charleville, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the new approach would give graziers more options to undertake baiting programs.

“Wild dogs cost the Queensland grazing industry $60 million a year in lost production and cause untold pain and suffering to farm animals and emotional stress to their owners,” said Mr McVeigh.

“Landholders are suffering under the inflexible system we inherited from the Labor Government.  

“Currently, only public sector employees accredited by Queensland Health can provide 1080 baits to rural landholders.

“To give producers more flexibility, I’m asking QDOG to assist me in implementing a plan that will allow graziers and other private suppliers, with the appropriate certification, to inject 1080 into baits on property.

“This will deliver fast and efficient 1080 baiting services to landholders to control wild dogs in Queensland.

“The previous Labor Government had graziers tied-up in unnecessary regulation, and unable to easily access bait meat because it had to be of human-consumption grade.     

“Last year the Newman Government made significant changes to cut red tape. For example, livestock destroyed on-property can now be used as bait meat.  The meat can be taken to a baiting station for injection with 1080 and then distributed to neighbours and other graziers to use in coordinated baiting programs.

“Providing graziers with even more flexibility will assist them reduce on-farm production losses and help us achieve our target of doubling agriculture production by 2040.”

Mr McVeigh also announced the appointment of Mr Ivan Naggs as the new QDOG Chair.

“Mr Naggs is an AgForce Councillor and is well equipped to lead the development and implementation of new strategic directions in the fight against wild dogs,” said Mr McVeigh.

“He has a long history in veterinary and agricultural product sales and management, and is a stud Brahman breeder with first-hand knowledge of the extent of the dog problem through his tireless efforts in battling wild dog problems on his own property.”

For more information on effective eradication of pest animals, visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. 

[ENDS] 07 November 2013                                     
Media Contact: Louise Gillis 0408 709 160