AN annual baiting program to control wild dogs in the Hunter region has started – and Hunter Local Land Services and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service are encouraging landholders to get on board.
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A collaborative baiting program to help control wild dogs will be undertaken until May 27, coordinated by Hunter Local Land Services, and landholders are urged to participate to maximise its effectiveness.
“Wild dogs are an ongoing issue in the Hunter region, causing stock attacks and losses which can negatively impact farm productivity,” invasive species coordinator Luke Booth said.
“They can also pose a biosecurity threat to livestock producers through the spread of disease.
“We are urging the community to come together to undertake large scale baiting programs in collaboration with our biosecurity team and local landholder groups to maximise the result.”
The program is an integral part of a coordinated approach to achieve consistent control of wilddogs.
Aerial baiting will be undertaken in the Merriwa, Upper Hunter, Singleton and Dungog regions and other areas impacted by wild dogs. It will be supported by large scale, follow-up ground baiting.
Hunter Local Land Services is providing free training and instruction in baiting and trapping to participating landholders.
National Parks & Wildlife Service Area Manager Peta Norris said group baiting was considered the most effective method to control wild dog populations.
“Aerial baiting undertaken as part of an integrated, collaborative approach is a very effective method of controlling wild dogs,” Ms Norris said.
“Effective control requires a coordinated approach involving all private and public land managers in an area.”
The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation will undertake baiting activities during this period, coordinating the timing with Local Land Services to maximise the benefits.
Local wild dog associations are also participating in the program.
Signage will be posted in relevant areas to notify and warn residents of the use of 1080 baits. Landholders, neighbours and visitors are warned not to enter baiting locations with domestic pets, and to tie up dogs. Working dogs should be muzzled while working stock and restrained during non-working periods during and after the poisoning period.
Baits will only be applied to properties which have been approved through Hunter Local Land Services and will not be placed within 500m of any domestic residence.
Landholders wanting to participate in the program, or requiring support with controlling wild dogs, should contact their local Biosecurity Officer on 1300 975 299 or visit www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au.
