Southern Tararua Aerial Possum Control Operation
EcoFX wishes to advise the public of its intention to aerially apply the toxin Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080) for the purpose of controlling possums in the Southern Tararua ranges. The operation is being undertaken as part of OSPRI New Zealand’s TBfree programme to protect local farms from tuberculosis infection.
Control Area:
The treatment area is located within the Southern Tararua ranges, north of Featherston, west of Carterton & southeast of Ōtaki. A map of the treatment area may be viewed on the OSPRI website: https://www.ospri.co.nz/tb-and-pest-control/aerial-operations/
Commencement Date:
The operation will commence with the application of non-toxic cereal pre-feed pellets beginning on the first day of favourable weather from mid-October 2025. At least 5 days following the completion of pre-feeding, in the next suitable weather window, the application of cereal pellets containing 1080 will commence.
Bait Description:
Pre-feed: Cereal based pellet, approximately 16mm in diameter, brown in colour.
Toxic bait: Cereal based pellet, approximately 20mm in diameter, dyed green with a toxic loading of 2.0g/kg Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080).
Managing risk
1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals. In areas where the toxin has been applied, dogs are highly at risk until poisoned carcasses have disintegrated. This takes four-to-eight months or longer.
There will be warning signs placed at entrances to the treatment area immediately prior to the operation.
Risks can be eliminated by following these rules:
- DO NOT touch bait
- WATCH children at all times
- DO NOT EAT animals from this area or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary. The buffer zone is 2 km for deer and pigs, 200 m for rabbits, and 1 km for hares and possums.
- Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS
Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides. These signs indicate pesticide residues may be still present in baits and poisoned carcasses. When signs are removed, normal activities can resume. If in doubt, check with your local OSPRI office. Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs.
Further Information:
Southern Tararua Aerial Operation, EcoFX, PO Box 248, Otorohanga, telephone 07 873 8130, [email protected].
For further information on the TBfree New Zealand programme visit: https://www.ospri.co.nz/tb-and-pest-control/aerial-operations/