General News
20 March, 2023
Autumn fox baiting program to begin in Maryborough region
Central Goldfields and surrounds residents should keep a careful eye on their pets when walking in local state forests as the autumn fox baiting program will soon begin. To help protect native animals and livestock from the declared pest and to...
Central Goldfields and surrounds residents should keep a careful eye on their pets when walking in local state forests as the autumn fox baiting program will soon begin.
To help protect native animals and livestock from the declared pest and to reduce the number of foxes in the area, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will be laying baits in state forests at Mt Hooghly, Bung Bong, Wareek, Harvest Home, Tarnagulla, Majorca Plantation and Bealiba-Barp.
FFMVic senior forest manager and roading officer Lynda Mabon said the baiting program will run until early June 2023.
“Foxes are a pest animal in Australia and attack livestock and wildlife. Every year, foxes are responsible for significant stock losses, especially during lambing season,” she said.
“Foxes are also known to carry diseases and increase the spread of weeds in our state forests.”
Baits containing 1080 poison will be buried in bait stations in the program areas, with baits monitored regularly and replaced weekly. Baits will be removed at the end of the program.
“Baits are buried in bait stations according to strict guidelines that minimise the risk of other species taking them,” Mrs Mabon said.
“These baits could pose a risk to domestic animals. We ask that nearby landholders ensure their dogs and other pets are confined to their property.
“Visitors to these state forest blocks are advised to muzzle their pets and keep them on a lead.
“Neighbouring landowners have been notified of the program and signs have been placed at entrances to the control areas so that visitors are aware of the baiting.”
Foxes are a declared pest animal in Victoria under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.