Rabbit Control: Baiting Operations

The last bait application was completed on 27 August 2023. Monitoring shows the operation was successful in reducing rabbit numbers.

About the operation

This rabbit control operation was aimed to reduce rabbit numbers within the identified reserves and to comply with Otago Regional Council’s Pest Management Plan.

Environmental effects from rabbits include:

• Depletion of plant communities and species diversity

• An increase in areas of bare land as well as soil disturbance

• A reduction in soil organic matter, and deterioration of soil nutrients and structure

• Adverse effect on indigenous and other fauna when high numbers of rabbit predators target alternative prey.

Carcass monitoring will determine when warning signs will be removed from the treatment area. The estimated date for warning sign removal is May 2024, however, warning signs will:

• Be removed earlier if monitoring indicates that carcasses have broken down, or

• Stay up for longer if monitoring suggests that pesticide residues could still be present

When we remove warning signs you will know that you can resume normal activities in the area. Until this time, risks can be eliminated by following these simple rules:

• DO NOT touch bait

• WATCH CHILDREN at all times

• DO NOT EAT animals from this area

• Remember, poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

The last application was completed on 8 September. Monitoring shows the operation was successful in reducing rabbit numbers.

About the operation

This rabbit control operation was aimed to reduce rabbit numbers within the identified reserves and to comply with Otago Regional Council’s Pest Management Plan.

Environmental effects from rabbits include:

• Depletion of plant communities and species diversity

• An increase in areas of bare land as well as soil disturbance

• A reduction in soil organic matter, and deterioration of soil nutrients and structure

• Adverse effect on indigenous and other fauna when high numbers of rabbit predators target alternative prey.

Carcass monitoring will determine when warning signs will be removed from the treatment area. The estimated date for warning sign removal is May 2024, however, warning signs will:

• Be removed earlier if monitoring indicates that carcasses have broken down, or

• Stay up for longer if monitoring suggests that pesticide residues could still be present

When we remove warning signs you will know that you can resume normal activities in the area. Until this time, risks can be eliminated by following these simple rules:

• DO NOT touch bait

• WATCH CHILDREN at all times

• DO NOT EAT animals from this area

• Remember, poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

Operation area

The following toxin will be used:

• Baits covered in a 17g/kg Pindone paste

This operation consists of at least three separate toxin applications using pindone bait. Baits containing the pesticide Pindone will be distributed by an ATB (all-terrain vehicle).

Pindone is poisonous to humans and domestic animals. Always remember:

• DO NOT handle the bait
• SUPERVISE CHILDREN at all times
• DO NOT EAT animals from these areas or within two (2) km of it
• DO NOT allow DOGS access to animal carcasses or bait
• KEEP DOGS ON LEASH and under control at all times

If you suspect any human poisoning contact the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766.

• Keep your dog on a leash in any reserves where rabbit control is underway and signage is in place.
• DO NOT allow DOGS access to animal carcasses.

Dogs need to consume a number of pindone baits or rabbits to be affected, but if you suspect your dog has been poisoned you should contact your local vet.

To find alternative trails to walk your dog during rabbit control baiting operations in your area, check out the interactive map below:

• QLDC Dog Control Map

Note: Zoom in on map to see colour coded trails indicating where dogs must be on leash (blue), can be off leash (green) or not allowed (red).

There are high densities of rabbits throughout these reserves. Pesticide offers the most cost-effective way to reduce the rabbit population, and the aim of this operation is to reduce rabbit infestations to a very low level (Level 3 of the Modified McLean Scale).

Private landowners have a responsibility to undertake rabbit control on their land. These sites should have warning signage in place.