An aerial 1080 possum control operation in the Northern Remutaka Range will begin in the next appropriate weather window.

A suitable weather pattern has been identified to allow pre-feed cereal baits to be distributed over the 24,000-hectare operation that covers the native forest and rugged country between Hutt Valley and Southern Wairarapa. Pre-feed pellets followed by cereal baits treated with a small amount (0.15%) of 1080 toxin will knock down possums to enable the eradication of bovine TB. The operation will have the biodiversity benefit of regenerating the forest and boosting the breeding success of native birds.

The TBfree operation targets possum populations to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand. Keeping possum numbers low for a period of about nine years allows TB to die out naturally.

The operation will prevent the spread of TB from the Northern Remutaka wildlife via possums into neighbouring farmland. Cattle herds in the southern Wairarapa have a long history of TB infection.

Removing possums and rats also brings biodiversity benefits for the native plants and birds of this important and popular area. Intensive acoustic monitoring of birds by Victoria University scientists six weeks before-and-after an aerial operation in the Aorangi Range showed no decline in overall bird song. Longer term monitoring showed that 1.5 to 2.5 years following the 1080 operation, five native bird species – tomtit, rifleman, bellbird, kereru and whitehead – showed a significant increase in call rates in the Aorangi relative to the untreated Northern Remutaka area.

Warning signs at all public access points will alert people to the aerial operation, and to the danger of allowing dogs access to areas where 1080 baits are present. OSPRI, which manages the TBfree programme, has made available free muzzles for dogs and guidance on Keeping Your Dog Safe, available at Forest Park headquarters, through DOC visitor centres and online at ospri.co.nz.

As a reminder to dog owners, a text message will be sent out by the Hutt City Council on the day of the toxic operation, recommending that the operational area is avoided until warning signs are officially removed.

Find further information and an operation factsheet at ospri.co.nz.

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