Ospri is conducting an aerial 1080 poison operation in the Southern Remutakas to control the spread of bovine TB.

Possum control is done, along with herd testing and movement restrictions, to help keep cattle and wild animal populations free of the disease. To eradicate bovine TB, possum numbers need to be kept extremely low – around one to two animals every 10 hectares.

The Southern Remutakas were last treated in 2017, and this operation is due to finish by the end of July.

Cereal baits containing 1080 are dyed green. Signs are up at the main access points but if you are going into the Southern Remutaka area, please note the following:

• DO NOT TOUCH poison bait
• WATCH CHILDREN at all times
• DO NOT EAT animals from the area (this also applies to buffer zones around the treatment area)
• Poison bait or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS.

When the signs are removed, normal activities can resume. The advice to hunters is not to hunt or take game within a 2km radius of the operational area for human or pet consumption. It is an offence to sell meat products exposed to 1080. Hunting can resume about four months after control work.

Ospri notes that in 2011, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment completed an extensive review into the use of 1080, in which she strongly endorsed its continued use in New Zealand.