Effective wild dog control programs rely on multiple tools used in an integrated, coordinated approach. Baiting, using 1080, is the cheapest, most environmentally responsible and effective tool available and provides 24-hour control.

Baiting with 1080

For land managers to access 1080, they may need to be trained and authorised to use the chemical in accordance with their state or territory regulations.

Worried about our native animals? Scientific evidence shows Australia’s native animals are highly tolerant to 1080 due to it occurring naturally in a number of native plant species including Acacia georginae (Georgina gidgee) and Gastrolobium bushes, making it ideal for targeting introduced species. To put native species’ tolerance into perspective, a goanna is about 550 times more tolerant to 1080 than a dog.

Before embarking on a baiting program, consider what other predators or pests may be around that may undermine your efforts. For example, foxes and feral pigs will also compete for baits and while a dog bait (containing 6mg of 1080) will kill a fox (fox baits contain 3mg of 1080), they won’t kill a pig (72mg per bait). Other predators can potentially consume all or most of  your dog baits before your intended target comes along. This is why a targeted, strategic, coordinated, landscape-scale campaign will always reap the best results.

Further information is available in the PestSmart Standard Operating Procedure. The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has also published a position statement on the use of 1080, which can be viewed here.

The field guide to poison baiting: Wild dogs and foxes published by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, also provides information on the strategies and approaches to deliver baiting programs for wild dogs and foxes. It brings together a range of practical methods for the placement and use of wild dog and fox baits in various landscapes around the country.

During baiting programs working dogs and pets should be muzzled or otherwise protected from coming into contact with baits, carcasses or toxic vomit.

If you suspect your working dog or pet of 1080 poisoning, follow this first aid guide.

Learn from a leading trainer how to use muzzles

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Baiting with PAPP

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Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is an alternative toxin to 1080 and there is a veterinarian-administered antidote Blue Healer. However, this is a fast-acting toxin and the antidote may not help if you are some distance from a vet. Intended for use in more sensitive areas, e.g. around homesteads or in peri-urban areas, PAPP is available in most states in manufactured bait-form, DOGABAIT and FOXECUTE.

Further information is available at PestSmart.

Delivery of baits

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Canid Pest Ejector (CPE) for fox and wild dog control

Canid pest ejectors are a spring activated device that requires an animal to pull on a bait head to trigger the mechanism which in turn ejects the poison contents of a capsule into the animal’s mouth. It is a very target specific device as it requires sufficient pull force on the bait head to exclude native species. The capsules may contain either 1080 or PAPP depending on whether you are targeting foxes or wild dogs.

Bait head are available from the manufacture pre-made with dry meat or they can be made on site to offer more offer a range of bait types to encourage animals to pull on the device.

Aerial baiting is a highly coordinated, strategic and effective technique that involves extensive land manager consultation and collaboration from numerous communities. It is most often employed to tackle wild dogs (and other pests) in extensive landscapes or in rugged, inaccessible, often mountainous terrain where laying baits on ground is not feasible or safe. Aerial baiting is extremely strategic and target areas of known wild dog movements and travel ways used by wild dogs to cause impacts on primary production and native wildlife.

These programs require significant planning by all stakeholders involve to determine flight paths and seek approval from landholders. Aircraft used in aerial baiting operations are equipped with highly accurate GPS navigation equipment and up to date mapping software to ensure baits are delivered accurately in the designated locations.