Pest Animal Management: 1080

source: (Dptmt of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport)

Pest animals are a serious issue in the Northern Territory because of the potential negative environmental and economical impacts, including:

• competition with native and domestic animals for feed and water
• increased erosion of waterways
• damage to infrastructure, and
• predation on native animals or stock.

Previously, the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport assisted landholders in the management of pest animals on pastoral properties by injecting fresh meat baits with 1080 poison. However, to increase flexibility and improve management opportunities for landholders, the Northern Territory Government has made significant amendments to the use of 1080 (Sodium monofluroacetate) for the control of pest animal species in the Northern Territory.

Amendments to the use of 1080 – effective as at January 2009.

Landholders now have several options for the management of wild dogs, pigs, and foxes using 1080 poison. Landholders can:

1. Undertake the relevant training so that they can lay manufactured dry meat baits themselves.
2. Engage a suitably qualified contractor to lay manufactured dry meat baits on their behalf.
3. Continue to utilise the existing fresh meat baiting service which is offered by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport free of charge until 31 August 2009, after which time a fee for service will apply.