1080 usage in New Zealand

The use of 1080 in New Zealand as a pesticide is a contentious issue, with the majority of the debate occurring between conservationists and hunters. Concerns are also raised about security of potable water supplies in areas where 1080 is applied.

Worldwide, New Zealand is the largest user of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). 1080 is a commonly used pesticide since it is very effective on mammals and New Zealand has no native land mammals apart from two species of bat. The first trials were carried out in New Zealand in 1954, and by 1957 its use had become widespread. 1080 baits are used through ground based and aerial application to control possums (an animal pest introduced from Australia) and other introduced mammalian pests.cite web | last = Beasley| first = Michael | title =Guidelines for the safe use of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) | publisher = New Zealand Occupational Safety & Health Service | date = August 2002 | url =http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/1080guidelines.pdf | accessdate = 2007-12-17]

New Zealand's unique fauna and flora are endangered by the rapid spread of possums, stoats and rats. [cite web | last = | first = | title =Possum Control - Facts About 1080 | publisher = New Zealand Department of Conservation | date = 2001 | url =http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultiPageDocumentTOC.aspx?id=39966| accessdate = 2007-12-17] Also, the possum is a vector for tuberculosis so possum numbers are controlled to prevent its spread amongst cattle and deers herds. As the possum is from the eastern states of Australia and is a mainly arboreal forager, it has never developed a resistance to sodium fluoroacetate.Fact|date=December 2007

While the Department of Conservation and the Animal Health Board [ [http://www.ahb.org.nz/AHBWebsite/UnderstandingTBControl/Whatsbeingdone/3.7.2.1.1+Types+of+Control+Programmes.htm Animal Health Board] Types of Control Programmes] favour the effectiveness of aerial 1080 application, [cite web | last = Green| first = Wren | title =The use of 1080 for pest control | publisher = New Zealand Department of Conservation | date = July 2004 | url =http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/use-of-1080-04.pdf| accessdate = 2007-12-17] critics of the application of 1080 claim: “agencies increasingly use large scale aerial applications to cut costs".Fact|date=September 2008 Opposition from hunting groups and threats by other opponents have made local agencies responsible for the use of the poison hire guards to protect their staff. [" [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10525288 Govt sticks with 1080 despite staff fears] " - "The New Zealand Herald", Tuesday 05 August 2008]

The Environmental Risk Management Authority in August 2007 released its latest review of 1080 use. The review gives new guidelines for the use of the pesticide in New Zealand and concludes that the beneficial effects of pest eradication outweigh the risks. [cite web | last = | first = | title =Environmental Risk Management Authority Decision on 1080 | publisher = ERMA New Zealand | date = August 2007 | url =http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf | accessdate = 2007-12-17]

A positive side effect of aerial poisoning is a temporary drop in rat numbers which, however, recover due to the niche created by low possum numbers.Fact|date=September 2008

ee also

*Biodiversity of New Zealand
*Conservation in New Zealand

References

External links

* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultiPageDocumentTOC.aspx?id=39966 New Zealand Department of Conservation] Facts about the use of 1080
* [http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf Exposure and Risk Assessment (1080)] Risk to human health from 1080 pest control application, ERMA New Zealand
* [http://www.ahb.org.nz/AHBWebsite/Research/1080_Info/5.1+1080+info.htm New Zealand Animal Health Board] - 1080 Information
* [http://www.stop1080poison.com/ Stop 1080 Poison] - lobby group