Vets support continued usage of 1080

Vets support continued usage of 1080

The continued use of 1080 toxin for possum control has been welcomed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).

“The eradication of tuberculosis in cattle and deer is crucial in maintaining ongoing access to overseas agricultural produce markets,” said NZVA’s CEO Julie Hood.

A lack of reliable alternatives for possum control means that the pesticide 1080 will remain in use, but with tighter controls, following a reassessment by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).

The effective use of 1080 against possums has been a critical element in the strategy for New Zealand to obtain ‘official freedom’ from bovine Tb.

“The fact that ERMA received over 1400 submissions during the reassessment process shows that the issue is one of great public interest,” said Julie. “We trust that ERMA’s reassessment was a robust and transparent examination and that all viewpoints were considered.”

As well as having the potential to devastate our economy, possums and other pests, such as stoats and weasels, pose a threat to native wildlife and habitats.

“Several endangered bird species, such as the kokako, owe their survival to the use of 1080 to kill animals that destroy their natural habitat or prey on their eggs or young,” said Julie.

She said currently there are no reliable alternatives to 1080, which is rapidly broken down and does not accumulate in the environment or in food chains. It is also the only vertebrate toxin registered for aerial application, which allows possum control in remote rugged country where ground management is not practical.

However, many veterinarians are familiar with the poisoning of non-target species - dogs are particularly susceptible to 1080. New mandatory controls mean signs marking areas where 1080 is used must contain a statement warning the public,
including dog owners, about the danger posed by possum carcasses.

The signs must be readable from a distance of 10 metres and remain in place for six months after a 1080 operation unless the bait is retrieved or the bait and carcasses are no longer toxic.

“The scavenging habits of dogs make them more likely than other animals to suffer accidental poisoning after eating affected possum carcasses,” said Julie.

“As such, we welcome the tighter controls which reinforce the need for clear public warnings, and for owners to keep their dogs under control at all times.”

ENDS

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