Prepared meat for wild dog baits - could it work for you?
A new way to help pastoralists meet their mandatory wild dog baiting obligations is being explored by the SAAL Landscape Board and Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).
The board and PIRSA are assessing whether the provision of prepared meat for wild dog baits could make meeting pastoral zone wild dog baiting obligations easier.
The concept would bring together PIRSA's cold storage facilities in Port Augusta and the board's existing injection service network to simplify the process for pastoralists.
Meat would be cut into bait-sized pieces by commercial game meat processors, partially dried and stored in the PIRSA freezer at Port Augusta. It would be available at cost price, cheaper than a manufactured bait.
Pastoralists would then collect their meat from Port Augusta ahead of a baiting service, store it on-property and bring it to the injection day. The board will continue to inject the meat with 1080.
Sustained baiting effort across the region has resulted in low dog activity inside the fence — but this is not the time to ease off. Only consistent baiting will keep dog impacts low.
Strategic baiting, carried out regularly, is the most effective defense against wild dogs, and the absence of dog activity on your property is the most likely sign that your baiting program is working.
A short survey will be sent to pastoralists across the pastoral zone in coming weeks to determine if this concept could work. We encourage you to take a few minutes to respond.
And questions about this trial can be directed to James Stevens at james.stevens@sa.gov.au; or on 8177 3426 or 0459 725 061.
