Regional Services wishes to advise that ground based possum control operations will be taking place to keep possum numbers under control to prevent spread of TB. These operations will be conducted as a part of the TBfree New Zealand programme.

Areas covered: The boundary extends from the top of the Ladysmith Road, approximately 2.5km north of the Roxburgh Bridge and follows the true left of the Clutha River to Teviot. The boundary then turns in a northerly direction and runs along Smiths, Sanders and Lake Onslow Roads to Lake Onslow. It then follows the north branch of the Teviot River for approximately 6km before turning west to Pinelheugh, then up and around the headwaters of Old Hut Creek then in a straight line down MacNichol’s boundary to Woodhouse Road and back to Ladysmith Road.

Operation dates: 3rd March to 30th May 2014.

Poisoning methods, poison used and nature of poison: Possum habitats will be targeted using Feratox encapsulated cyanide baits in bait bags, bait stations or strikers and will be attached to trees, and suitable habitat.

Feratox capsules (dyed green) will be placed in peanut paste inside biodegradable blue or white bait bags or strikers, or in bait stations with cereal prefeed.

The public is warned not to enter these areas and not to remove carcasses or baits. Baits are dangerous to people and dogs.

General warning

• Do not touch poison baits/bait stations/traps
• Do not touch poisoned possum carcasses
• Keep pets under supervision; do not let dogs eat poisoned carcasses
• Do not leave children unattended
• 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 764766
• In the case of a domestic animal being poisoned, contact a local veterinarian.
  
  

For further information (including maps of the operational area), contact the operator
Trevor Crossan, Regional Services, 027 2788638.