Media Release
10 September 2013
Ground-based methods control possums in rural Dunedin
Ground control work is being undertaken in the rural outskirts of Dunedin to reduce the risk of bovine tuberculosis (TB)
infected possums spreading the disease to cattle and deer herds.
Either hand-laid toxins or traps will be used to control the possum population, depending on which method is preferred
by affected land occupiers in the area.
Local contractors are currently consulting with land occupiers on the most appropriate control method for their
property.
The operational area includes a number of lifestyle properties, commercial forestry and the Invermay AgResearch
facility.
The planned operation covers some 1800 hectares of the Wingatui, Abbots Hills, Halfway Bush and Silver Stream areas near
Mosgiel. Work began earlier this month and is due to finish in late December.
Ground control work last took place in the area around four years ago and was extremely successful in lowering possum
densities.
However, surveys have shown that possum numbers have increased to a level where they pose a risk of spreading the
disease to nearby cattle and deer herds.
Scientific evidence indicates that possums are responsible for about 70 per cent of new herd infections in TB risk
areas.
TBfree New Zealand Southern South Island Programme Manager Brent Rohloff said ground-based control methods are suited
for use within this semi-developed rural community.
“Due to the number of land occupiers in the operational area, it is particularly important that we thoroughly discuss
which control method is best-suited for use on their property and the surrounding area,” said Mr Rohloff.
“We have a range of techniques on offer, including encapsulated cyanide in bait stations and bait bags, or traps,” he
said.
Warning signs will be erected in the operational area, stating that hand-laid toxins or traps are being used to control
bovine TB in the surrounding possum population.
ENDS