Biteback update June 2026
More than 50 wild dogs have been controlled south of the Dog Fence since February, following flood damage to the fence that created entry points into rangeland areas dominated by sheep farming.
Heavy rains and flooding across northern areas earlier this year caused significant damage to flood gates, allowing wild dogs to move south.
The breach highlights the critical role the Dog Fence plays in protecting the state's sheep industry, coupled with coordinated control south of the fence.
Changes to mandatory baiting requirements
Changes were made to the Declared Animal Policy: Wild Dogs and dingoes in February, making mandatory baiting requirements more equitable for pastoral and out of council zoned properties.
Previous mandatory baiting levels were calculated at one bait per kilometre of track across a property in spring and autumn. This resulted in some smaller properties having a larger baiting requirement in comparison to larger neighbouring properties with less tracks. This led to an inconsistent distribution of baits.
New mandatory baiting levels are calculated at one bait per two square kilometres of property size. This will ensure a consistent measure of baiting levels for varying size properties.
Another significant change to the policy is that properties larger than 2000 square kilometres now have a minimum baiting effort cap of 1000 baits in spring and autumn. Properties can still receive more baits if they wish but, a consistent and fair baiting minimum is now set across the pastoral zone.
Documentation explaining the new baiting requirements will be sent to all property owners in July to ensure everyone is aware of their mandatory baiting obligations.
Autumn injection services
The board’s autumn injection services were greatly impacted by repeated rainfall events, resulting in changed dates.
Board staff worked with landholders to reschedule injection services, often more than once. Services were changed into late autumn and in some cases even early winter to ensure landholders had access to injected meat baits. Despite these challenges more than 8600 baits were injected and more than 20,700 manufactured baits were provided to 90 properties
Spring 2026 Injection Service dates
Dates have been tentatively booked in for inside fence spring injection services. Official invitations will be emailed from the beginning of August. If invites are not received by the start of September, property owners should contact the Biosecurity team on 8429 9666.
- North Flinders/Marree: 28 September – 1 October
- Gawler Ranges: 14-15 October
- Northeast Pastoral: 19 – 22 October
- Kingoonya/Gawler Ranges: 26 – 29 October
