Published Tuesday, 24 April, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
FERAL ANIMAL BAITING CAMPAIGN ROLLS ACROSS DARLING DOWNS
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin is urging landholders to take advantage of the latest coordinated wild dog and fox baiting programs running across the Darling Downs to minimise impacts of the feral animals.
Mr Mulherin said a broad scale approach was the best way to control wild dogs and foxes.
“Past control programs for wild dogs and foxes achieved the best results by using a range of control and prevention methods,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Blanket participation in a 1080 baiting program is only one tool and landholders need to consider integrating other available control methods including trapping and shooting.
“Preventative actions such as fencing to keep feral animals away from properties and stock, keeping guard dogs for livestock protection and fencing off disposal pits so as not to attract feral animals scavenging on carcasses and other waste should be considered.”
Mr Mulherin also said informing neighbours was important in planning and precautionary steps should be taken to ensure domestic pets were protected and restrained from straying into baiting areas.
Baiting campaigns are organised around May to coincide with the wild dog mating season and increased fox activity when the pest animals are more likely to take baits.
Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Warwick-based land protection officer Grant Beutel said not controlling feral pests could result in the loss of domestic animals through disease and predation and placed increased pressure on remnant native animal populations.
“Isolated baiting campaigns can increase wild dog attacks as they create recolonising opportunities for younger, inexperienced hunters who are much more likely to attack livestock than native animals like kangaroos which are much harder to catch. This is why coordinated baiting with support from neighbours is so important,’’ he said.
“Landholders not taking part in control should appreciate the potential devastation this can have on neighbouring properties.”
For information to join a co-ordinated baiting campaign contact your local council pest management officer or the land protection officer in your area.
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt campaign starts at Warwick April 26-27, Clifton on May 8, before moving on to Stanthorpe on May 9.
Media: 323 96530
Mr Mulherin said a broad scale approach was the best way to control wild dogs and foxes.
“Past control programs for wild dogs and foxes achieved the best results by using a range of control and prevention methods,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Blanket participation in a 1080 baiting program is only one tool and landholders need to consider integrating other available control methods including trapping and shooting.
“Preventative actions such as fencing to keep feral animals away from properties and stock, keeping guard dogs for livestock protection and fencing off disposal pits so as not to attract feral animals scavenging on carcasses and other waste should be considered.”
Mr Mulherin also said informing neighbours was important in planning and precautionary steps should be taken to ensure domestic pets were protected and restrained from straying into baiting areas.
Baiting campaigns are organised around May to coincide with the wild dog mating season and increased fox activity when the pest animals are more likely to take baits.
Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Warwick-based land protection officer Grant Beutel said not controlling feral pests could result in the loss of domestic animals through disease and predation and placed increased pressure on remnant native animal populations.
“Isolated baiting campaigns can increase wild dog attacks as they create recolonising opportunities for younger, inexperienced hunters who are much more likely to attack livestock than native animals like kangaroos which are much harder to catch. This is why coordinated baiting with support from neighbours is so important,’’ he said.
“Landholders not taking part in control should appreciate the potential devastation this can have on neighbouring properties.”
For information to join a co-ordinated baiting campaign contact your local council pest management officer or the land protection officer in your area.
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt campaign starts at Warwick April 26-27, Clifton on May 8, before moving on to Stanthorpe on May 9.
Media: 323 96530