Following the successful completion of this year’s annual wild dog aerial baiting program, the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) is reminding landholders to remain vigilant and report sightings and predation to the LHPA.
Senior Ranger with the New England LHPA, Mark Tarrant, said the 2012 aerial baiting program concluded recently with the LHPA conducting de-briefing with all 20 Wild Dog Control Associations (WDCAs) and agency partners.
“The 2012 program saw 50,548 aerial meat baits dropped over approximately 1264 kilometres from Tenterfield in the north to Yarrowitch and Nowendoc in the south of the LHPA district,” he said.
“Following aerial baiting it is critical that producers continue to report to us if they see wild dogs on their property or have stock attacks or losses as soon as possible as this will allow staff to put in place necessary follow up programs.
“Wild dogs can live basically undetected in many areas, so even if you think wild dogs are not a problem on your property they may be causing problems for your neighbour or other people in your community.”
Mr Tarrant said the New England Wild Dog Management plan that is in place with all relevant agencies including National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), State Forests and the NSW Department of Primary Industries provides a planning framework for the wild dog control program in the region.
“The key program underpinning the plan is aerial baiting of wild dogs. Aerial baiting programs like this are one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of wild dogs, as they can be carried out across large areas and all types of terrain, particularly those that are remote and inaccessible,” he said.
“The coordination role that the LHPA plays in delivering the aerial baiting program and the adjoining ground baiting program is supplemented by a strategic trapping program run in conjunction with NPWS.
“The LHPA appreciates the continued support and cooperation from all 20 WDCAs and partner agencies which allows for a coordinated broad scale approach to controlling wild dogs.
“The de-briefing that was recently conducted is an important part of the planning, coordination and then feedback cycle we do with the WDCAs and partner agencies year round. The feedback from these meeting will be incorporated into the planning for 2013.”
For more information or to report wild dog activity contact your local office of the New England LHPA.
