Wairepo Creek Ground Control Possum Operation
Published on 16 August 2022
Excell wishes to advise that a ground-based possum control operation will be taking place to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB). This operation is being conducted as part of the TBfree New Zealand programme.
Area: This operation covers 11,088 ha starting along the western faces of Lake Ohau and extending south until the Henburn Road.
Operation date: 1 August 2022 – 31 July 2023.
Poisoning methods used on this operation include:
Potassium cyanide: Possum habitat will be targeted using Feratox cyanide capsules and Cynara50 cyanide paste. Feratox will be placed in a non-toxic peanut paste, either inside biodegradable blue bait bags or in bait stations. Bags and bait stations will be attached to trees or posts in suitable habitat. Cyanara50 paste will be laid by hand on the ground or contained within plastic bait stations.
Sodium fluoroacetate (1080): 1080 pellets have a cylindrical form, are dyed green and have an odour of cinnamon. Pellets will either be placed within plastic baitstations or hand broadcast in select areas of possum habitat.
Traps will be being used throughout the area in conjunction with poisoning methods. The public is warned to take care in these areas and not to remove carcasses or baits. Baits are toxic to people and animals.
General warning
- Do not touch poison bait or traps
- Poison bait or carcasses are deadly to dogs and cats
- Watch children at all times
- Follow the advice on the poison warning signs
If you suspect poisoning:
- Contact your local hospital, or dial 111
- National Poisons Centre 0800 POISON – 0800 764 766
In the case of a domestic animal being poisoned, contact a local veterinarian.
For further information (including maps of the operational area), refer to the attached Fact Sheet or contact the Southern South Island Project Supervisor on 0508 EXCELL (0508 392 355) or office@excellcorp.co.nz
2223-Wairepo-Creek-Excell-Fact-Sheet.pdf(PDF, 989KB)