Bait containing 1080 will be released by air in the Northern Remutaka Ranges between Saturday 22 February and Monday 24 February

This is a reminder for dog owners this weekend that a tuberculosis (TB) control operation is underway in the Northern Remutaka ranges and all dog owners are urged to keep their dogs away.

The operation is being undertaken by OSPRI and it forms part of the ongoing TB free programme that aims to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand. The pest control involves helicopters releasing bait. A prefeed of tan-coloured bait (to interest possums) has already occurred. The next phase will involve the release of green-coloured bait, which contains the toxin 1080.

While possums are the target of this operation as the main carrier and spreader of TB to livestock, dogs are highly susceptible to 1080. If consumed – either from scavenging toxic possum carcasses or the bait – the outcome is usually fatal.

The release of bait containing 1080 is scheduled for Saturday 22 February, Sunday 23 February or Monday 24 February. The exact timing is weather dependent.

The best way to protect your dog is to keep it out of the operational area until the warning signs are removed. These signs will be placed at the start of walking tracks entering the area. The caution period will last for six to eight months, based on monitoring results.

For more information, please visit ospri.co.nz.