It’s been a long wait but now landholders have a new predator poison at their disposal, and the best news of all is that it has an antidote.
A major collaborative research and development investment between Animal Control Technologies Australia Pty Ltd (ACTA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Australian government, through the Invasive Animals CRC, has resulted in the first new predator toxin in 50 years becoming available, since 1080 was released on the market.
The two new poison baits – Dogabait and Foxecute® – are now available in Australia, after more than 11 years of thorough scientific testing here and overseas.
They contain a chemical toxin called para-amino propiophenone, or PAPP for short, which causes a targeted and quick death to wild dogs and foxes when consumed, and unlike other predator toxins, the new PAPP bait products have an effective antidote.
The announcement was greeted with relief by AgForce wild dog coordinator Brett Carlsson.
“Finally we’ve gotten there,” he said, referring to the widespread desire in grazing circles to be able to use a poison that had the potential to keep working dogs safe.
The antidote has been the biggest selling point of PAPP and the fact that at present it can only be administered by a vet is an “unfortunate reality”, according to Brett.
“We anticipated having it in producers’ hands,” he said.
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.
Despite the attraction of the antidote, Brett believed PAPP would not have a huge uptake, being significantly dearer than a 1080 meat bait.
“It will fill the gaps that need to be filled,” he said. “It only comes as a manufactured bait so cost might be an issue for some, but the way I see it, people who are totally opposed to 1080, for whatever reason, could start using it.”
He said PAPP would give landholders a comprehensive poison program again, used alongside 1080.
His words were reinforced by national wild dog facilitator Greg Mifsud, who said the new baits would complement existing control techniques, such as 1080 baits, trapping and shooting, to manage wild dogs and foxes within Australia.
“These new baits will enable a more comprehensive regional management approach to wild dog and fox management within Australia,” he said. “We will always emphasise an integrated and coordinated 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.”
According to Professor Linton Staples, Managing Director of ACTA, which is manufacturing and distributing the products, extensive field trials around the country have showed the baits 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,” Professor Staples said.
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.
For more information on purchasing the products visit www.animalcontrol.com.au
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
