AHB welcomes the continued use of 1080

WELLINGTON Monday 13 August, 2007:

The Environmental Risk Management Authority’s (ERMA) announcement today about the future of 1080 in New Zealand is good news for the Animal Health Board (AHB). Sodium flouroacetate (1080) is one of the key tools used in New Zealand to control possums, and effective possum control is critical to the success of the bovine tuberculosis (Tb) programme.

AHB and the Department of Conservation (DoC) applied to ERMA for a reassessment of 1080 to bring together all of the new information about the use of 1080 for pest control, and to provide an opportunity for everyone to have their say.

“We understand the public has concerns about the widespread use of any toxin, and we wanted those concerns to be heard in an official capacity,” said John Dalziell, AHB Chairman. “ERMA ran an excellent reassessment process; every person who chose to speak to their submission was taken seriously, and all submissions were carefully considered.”

The new controls around the use of 1080, both on the ground and in aerial operations, are welcomed by the AHB as it can only allow for better possum control in the future. Similarly the focus on consistency in application methods and on consultation around aerial 1080 applications is fully supported. With the emphasis on improving public access to information on aerial operations, AHB and DoC are actively working with ERMA to set up such a public register.

“While the reassessment process and decision made today has taken time, it was worth undertaking for all involved. The AHB has certainly learnt much from this process and now we can continue with the work to eradicate Tb from New Zealand’s cattle and deer herds.”

ENDS

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