By Hamish Clark
The hunt is on for alternatives to the controversial possum poison 1080.
Lincoln University scientist Charles Eason is developing at least two new pest control products that could reduce the amount of 1080 that is dropped over the country.
1080 has been used across New Zealand for over 40 years; it is contentious and opposition to it is growing.
Now scientists are trying to find effective alternatives to the toxic bait.
“It does cause a lot of controversy; it causes secondary poisoning of dogs and one of the reasons we are looking at alternatives is to take the pressure off 1080 use and come up with toxins that are more acceptable,” Dr Eason says.
Already cyanide pellets are being used; the green balls kill possums humanely and on the spot and won't kill dogs if they eat a poisoned possum.
Two new alternatives are zinc phosphide – which kills possums in four hours – and sodium nitrite, a meat preservative, but when used in higher doses, also kills possums.
“When you couple humaneness with an antidote and low secondary poisoning risks then you are getting as close as you can to an ideal toxin,” Dr Eason says.
Among the protestors against the recent 1080 drops on the West Coast was filmmaker Clyde Graff, who says it causes agonising death for any creature that eats it.
“If we are going to be using poisons in this country they need to be non-residual, humane and managed by man on the ground and if Mr Eason is achieving that then he is doing a great job,” Mr Graff says.
Last year the Animal Health Board spent $1.5 million researching new pest control methods.
“The reason that 1080 is so effective is the method of application and while we are investing in these other pest control methods, which look really good, it is going to be a long time before they are going to be used in the same way – if at all,” Animal Health Board researcher Penny Fairbrother says.
Dr Eason says he hopes to have two alternatives to 1080 in a paste form in the next six to 12 months and fully registered within six years.
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