DOC receives packages inferred to be 1080 bait

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has received packages of a substance that was inferred to be 1080 bait, at its Nelson Conservancy office, and Takaka and Motueka area offices.

The packages were delivered by mail to the DOC offices on Monday. The packages have since been referred to the Police.

No further comment will be made.

Background

DOC’s use of 1080

DOC is one of a number of agencies that uses 1080 for pest control. 1080 is used by DOC to counter the devastating effects that high numbers of introduced pests, like possums and rats, are having on our native species and habitats. The Animal Health Board (AHB) uses 1080 to manage possums which are vectors for bovine tuberculosis.

Specifically because of public concerns, the Department of Conservation and the Animal Health Board asked the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to reassess the use of 1080 in 2002. After an almost 5 year process, which reviewed all aspects of the use of 1080 and a protracted public consultation, the ERMA committee in August 2007 determined that the benefits of the use of 1080 for pest control far outweighed any perceived risk.

ERMA set new technical compliance requirements around the use 1080 as well as further research and community consultation requirements The Department of Conservation complies with these requirements and already sets a very high standard in its operational procedures.