THE fight to stop the widespread damage to livestock and the environment caused by wild dogs and foxes will be fortified with two new poison baits now available for use in Australia.

A major collaborative research and development investment between Animal Control Technologies Australia, Australian Wool Innovation and the Australian government through the Invasive Animals CRC has resulted in the first new predator toxin in 50 years – since 1080 was released on the market.

The new baits – Dogabait and Foxecute – contain a chemical toxin called para-amino propiophenone (short name PAPP) which causes a targeted and quick death to wild dogs and foxes when consumed.

Unlike other predator toxins, these new PAPP bait products have an effective antidote, which needs to be administered by a vet. However due to the fast-acting nature of the baits, normal precautions and notifications must be undertaken to protect pets and working dogs during baiting programs.

Professor Linton Staples, Managing Director of ACTA which will manufacture and distribute the products, said he was proud to see the new baits launched after more than 11 years of thorough scientific testing within Australia and overseas.

“Through extensive field trials around the country, these baits have proven to be highly effective. The PAPP chemical has been shown to be absorbed quickly from specially designed wild dog and fox baits developed by ACTA,” Prof Staples said.

Ian Evans, On Farm Program Manager for AWI said this major R&D investment had resulted in an ‘on the ground’ product that farmers and land managers could now use in addition to other wild dog and fox control measures.

“Wild dogs and foxes cause significant financial hardship to wool, lamb and beef producers in Australia. Losses can exceed hundreds of millions of dollars to the agricultural industry and AWI is committed to supporting innovative R&D projects in this area.

“We hear constant stories of the severe emotional stress wild dog predation can cause, impacting on family life and rural communities. This is why we are very supportive of seeing additional new control tools become available in the market to fight this serious problem,” Mr Evans said.

Greg Mifsud

Greg Mifsud, National Wild Dog Facilitator for the IA CRC said the new baits would complement existing control techniques, such as 1080 baits, trapping and shooting, to manage wild dogs and foxes.

“These new baits will enable a more comprehensive regional management approach to wild dog and fox management. We will always emphasise an integrated and coordinate approach to wild dog and fox control and there is certainly no one silver bullet to solve the problem, but we welcome any new tools within the toolbox,” Mr Mifsud said.

Helen Cathles, chair of the IA CRC said without the support of the multiple partners involved in this project all pushing for an outcome to help the agricultural industry, the reality of a new product would have never eventuated.

PAPP bait products are available for sale to approved users and come under the same restrictions as purchasing and using 1080 baits. Use of the PAPP bait products differs between states and territories, so it is recommended checking with your local authority before use.

• For more information on purchasing the products visit www.animalcontrol.com.au
• For more information on the best practice wild dog control visit www.pestsmart.org.au/pest-animal-species/wild-dog/

Source: AWI, ACTA, Invasive Animals CRC