Hurunui River Rabbit Control Poison Warning

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) advises that hand laying of carrot baits containing the deadly poisons Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and Pindone for the control of rabbits will occur in the Hurunui River area from 31 May 2010 or as soon as is practical thereafter.

Description of the area: Hurunui River, North Canterbury

The area being treated involves up to 1200ha of Crown administered riverbed from the State Highway 7 Road Bridge upstream to the confluence with the Mandamus River. The control is part of a joint operation which will include an area of the Balmoral Forest between River Road and the north bank of the Hurunui River and properties adjacent to the river on the south bank.

Please note that the hand laying of the toxic bait will be preceded by aerial application of non-toxic baits to ensure against bait shyness. All poison baits are dyed green for bird protection and identification.

The pesticide is poisonous to humans and domestic animals. The area is to be treated with caution until January 2011 or 6 months from application.

Notice boards will have the map of the treatment area displayed for public notification and the public are warned against trespass and the removal of carcasses or baits, and are advised that both bait and carcasses are dangerous to humans and deadly to dogs.

DO NOT touch or eat bait
SUPERVISE children
DO NOT EAT animals from this area
DO NOT bring dogs into this area.

Further information on this operation can be obtained from the LINZ website or from Boffa Miskell Ltd on 09 358 2526 during office hours, or by writing to PO Box 91250, Auckland or email tim.mckenzie@boffamiskell.co.nz.

The pesticide will be applied by Excell Biosecurity, contact Paul Clifford on 03 313 5737 or 021 870 534.