Poison baits for wild dog control
Poison baits are one of the tools available to control wild dogs that are causing impacts on livestock. A baiting program can be undertaken in conjunction with other forms of control such as trapping, shooting and exclusion fencing.
Baiting provides a flexible approach to wild dog control, depending on the location of the control activity.
Baiting should not be considered in areas where there are working dogs, pets and guardian animals that may be impacted by the baiting program.
Types of poison
There are 2 poisons legally used for wild dog control:
- 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)
- PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone).
These poisons are restricted chemical products also known as S7 poisons:
- The possession, supply, storage and disposal of S7 poisons is regulated under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and associated regulations and other Queensland Health regulations.
- The use of S7 poisons in relation to label or permit instructions is regulated under the Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988 and its associated regulations.
How to obtain 1080 or PAPP
Commercial manufactured 1080 or PAPP baits may be purchased from licenced S7 retailers subject to the buyer fulfilling the requirements of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019.
Some local governments provide a 1080 baiting service for landholders in their area.
Search the local government directory to find contact details for your local council.
Where and when to place baits
Baits must always be used in accordance with the product label directions or the conditions of an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) minor use permit and the requirements of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and Queensland Health departmental standards.
The phase of the breeding cycle could also influence the likelihood of wild dogs coming into contact with baits and should be considered. Many land managers participate in 2 coordinated baiting programs per year—targeting adults during breeding (April or May) and then targeting pups and juveniles (August or September). Additional baiting during the summer months to target young dogs may be effective.
Coordinating control programs
To increase the effectiveness of wild dog control, it is best practice to coordinate control with neighbouring properties to ensure that all the wild dogs in an area are exposed to the control measures.
To control wild dogs, baiting should be part of an integrated approach that uses a variety of control methods across a calendar year.
Also consider...
- Read more about wild dogs.