Possum control work to begin next month

POSSUM control poisoning and trapping is to take place around Flagstaff, Dunedin, beginning early next month.

Ospri New Zealand announced the work late yesterday.

Its statement said it would use a combination of trapping, Feratox and brodifacoum poisons.

Feratox is an encapsulated cyanide pellet and brodifacoum a commonly used anticoagulant poison. No 1080 is to be used.

Contractors will begin work on March 4 in an area that includes Swampy Ridge, the Pineapple Track, Flagstaff and Nicols Falls.

The toxins used posed ‘‘an extremely low secondary poison ing risk to pets’’, Ospri said.

Bait will be in bait stations or bags, no lower than head height, and there would be no toxins within 30m or in sight of tracks.

‘‘Dog owners should keep their dogs on lead in the area until warning signs come down.’’

Ospri said there were two bovine Tbinfected herds in the area, and the disease was traced to possums. Ground possum control methods would be repeated in the area over the next two years, with methods after that to be decided.

Dunedin City Council parks and recreation group manager Robert West said the pest control would have important benefits for native wildlife and enhance the area longer term.