Baiting from October 14, 2024 to November 25, 2024

Members, please be advised that (in addition to the baiting described below occurring between September 2, 2024 and January 1, 2025)  the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) will be undertaking a 1080 pest animal poisoning program using aerially deployed fresh meat baits on public land to manage wild dogs.

Baiting will occur from October 14, 2024 to November 25, 2024 and the baits will not be collected.

This program is being conducted under an off-label section 25A permit to allow baits to be deployed from the air. All care has been taken to ensure the conditions for use will reduce the chances of non-target animal impacts but there is still some associated risk. By being aware of the dangers, you are able to help manage the risk.

For more details, including a map of the affected area, click here. 

Baiting from September 2, 2024 to January 1, 2025

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) will be undertaking a 1080 pest animal poisoning program using buried baits and canid pest ejectors on public land from 2 September 2024 to 1 January 2025, after which time DEECA will collect and dispose of untaken and unused baits in accordance with the directions for use of 1080 and PAPP bait products (the directions).

The use of the 1080 pest animal bait product will comply with the product label and the directions. When used in accordance with the product label and the directions the chances of non-target animal impacts are reduced but there is still some associated risk. By being aware of the dangers you can help manage the risk.

To minimise the risk of poisoning to your animals, you are advised:

• Confine, muzzle and/or restrain your domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, to prevent them from accessing 1080 pest animal poison baits or carcasses.
• Domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, are susceptible to primary poisoning from ingesting 1080 pest animal bait products and secondary poisoning from ingesting contaminated carcasses. It is unusual for domestic animals to scavenge on dog/fox carcasses.
• Closely monitor the health and behaviour of your companion animals or livestock. If you notice any unusual or uncharacteristic behaviour contact your local veterinarian immediately.
• There is a delay in the poison action of 1080 and animals that have ingested 1080 pest animal bait products may die on your property.
• Collect and destroy any poisoned carcasses you find by burning (in accordance with local regulations) or burying to a depth of at least 50 cm for rabbits and at least one metre for foxes, wild dogs and feral pigs.
• Always dispose of carcasses away from natural features such as waterways.

Dangers to Humans:

Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a restricted schedule 7 poison and there is no known antidote. If you are handling poison bait and/or carcasses always use protective rubber gloves and wash hands and gloves thoroughly after contact. When used in accordance with the product label and the directions, there is minor risk of humans being poisoned by 1080 pest animal bait products. Although the 1080 used in 1080 pest animal bait products is substantially diluted, 1080 pest animal baits and poisoned carcasses must be treated with care.

If suspected poisoning occurs, immediately contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26).

Alternatively email wild.dogs@deeca.vic.gov.au.