Tekapo River Rabbit Control – Poison Warning

18 June 2010

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) advises that hand laying of carrot baits containing the deadly poison Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) for the control of rabbits will occur in the Tekapo River area from 21 June 2010 or as soon as is practical thereafter.

Description of the area: Tekapo River, MacKenzie District

The area being treated involves up to 1500ha of Crown administered riverbed from Patterson’s Ponds downstream to below the Maryburn Stream confluence.

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 Landcare Services. Contact: Graeme Larcombe on 03 696 3537.

Media enquiries: Brad Young, Land Information New Zealand, phone +64 4 460 0147, mobile +64 27 277 1267, email