1080 usage in New Zealand

Pest control in New Zealand January 2013 July 2020 1080, the brand name given to the synthetic form of sodium fluoroacetate, Proudfoot, A. T. Bradberry, S. M. Vale, J. A. Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning Toxicological Reviews 2006 25 4 213–219 10.2165/00139709-200625040-00002 17288493 29189551 is used in New Zealand in efforts to control populations of possums, rats, stoat and rabbits, The use of 1080 for pest control Green, W. The Animal Health Board and The Department of Conservation July 2004 http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/use-of-1080-04.pdf 16 December 2008 which are invasive species in the New Zealand environment. Kolbert Elizabeth The Big Kill: New Zealand's crusade to rid itself of mammals http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/big-kill The New Yorker 23 December 2014 23 December 2014 Although the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment deemed the use of 1080 in New Zealand "effective and safe" in a 2011 re-evaluationEvaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests (Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, June 2011): http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20111009001535/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf 9 October 2011 and the substance is widely consideredFrequently Asked Questions about 1080 Forest and Bird https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/frequently-asked-questions-about-1080 2021-06-19 www.forestandbird.org.nz enAlternatives to 1080 http://www.1080facts.co.nz/alternatives-to-1080.html 2021-06-19 1080: The facts en 24 June 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202655/http://www.1080facts.co.nz/alternatives-to-1080.html dead to be the most effective tool currently available for controlling possums over large areas,1080 an effective tool to protect native wildlife (Office of the Minister of Conservation, 2008): http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2008/1080-an-effective-tool-to-protect-native-wildlife/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111107093441/http://doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2008/1080-an-effective-tool-to-protect-native-wildlife/ 7 November 2011 Call for reason in 1080 debate (Federated Farmers, 14 August 2008): http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/n628,10.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110928101321/http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/n628,10.html 28 September 2011 it remains a contentious issue, with the majority of the debate occurring between conservationists and livestock farmers on one side and hunters and animal-rights activists on the other.Examples include: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hunters-decry-1080-aerial-drop-in-forest-3817566 Poison bait dropped in Fiordland National Park despite opposition 4 October 2010 One News Television New Zealand 19 May 2011 http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/4819473/Consent-granted-for-1080-drop Consent granted for 1080 drop 29 March 2011 The Timaru Herald 19 May 2011 Alarm as 'hunters end' DOC's poison drop Williams David 19 May 2011 The Press New Zealand is the largest user of 1080 poison, using about 80% of the world's supply.1080 Reassessment Application (Environmental Risk Management Authority, 2006): http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/HRE05002-030.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120325205009/http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/HSNO%20Application%20Register%20Documents/HRE05002-030.pdf 25 March 2012 Biodegradable 1080 poison is the only poison currently registered for use on mainland New Zealand as suitable for aerial targeting of the common brushtail possum;Technical Review of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) Toxicology (Animal Health Board and Landcare Research New Zealand Limited 2002): AHB 1080 review - "In New Zealand 1080 is the most widely used poison (in carrot, cereal, paste and gel baits) for situations where possum numbers need to be reduced rapidly over large areas. It has been used in New Zealand for pest control since the 1950s and is the only poison that is registered for aerial control of possums." a major conservation and agricultural pest. Clout M. N. Ecological and economic costs of alien vertebrates in New Zealand Pimentel David David Pimentel (scientist) Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species 23 May 2011 https://books.google.com/books?id=wDbNBQAAQBAJ 2 Boca Raton, Florida CRC Press 2011 286 9781439829912 The New Zealand [Department of Conservation (DOC)] administers nearly one-third of the land area of New Zealand and spends a large proportion of its budget on pest and weed control to protect biodiversity values. In 2008-2009, DOC spent NZ$29.9 million on animal pest control and NZ$20.3 million on weed control. The majority of the animal pest budget was spent on controlling alien mammals, dominated by possum control (NZ$14.9 million) and goat control (NZ$6.5 million). [...] Much of the regional government and agricultural sector expenditure on pest control [...] is also directed against possums and other vertebrate pests. New Zealand has used 1080 for pest control since the late 1950s; Beasley Michael Guidelines for the safe use of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) New Zealand Occupational Safety & Health Service August 2002 http://osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/1080guidelines.pdf 17 December 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20130209163543/http://osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/1080guidelines.pdf 9 February 2013 it imports sodium fluoroacetate in raw form from the United States of America.Guidelines for the Safe Use of Sodium Fluoroacetate (Occupational Safety & Health Service, 2002 – 978-0-477-03664-1): http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20111009001535/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf 9 October 2011 Background thumb| Common brushtail possums, an invasive pest in New Zealand whose population is controlled with 1080New Zealand is unusual in that it has no naturally occurring extant terrestrial mammal, except for two species of bat. Similarly, no confirmed fossils of terrestrial mammals have been found in New Zealand from the 85 million years since the landmass split away from Gondwana (except for the St Bathans mammal which is of unclear lineage).Parkes John Murphy Elaine 2003 Management of introduced mammals in New Zealand https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1080/03014223.2003.9518346 New Zealand Journal of Zoology en 30 4 335–359 10.1080/03014223.2003.9518346 0301-4223 subscription Worthy Trevor H. Paul Scofield R. De Pietri Vanesa L. Salisbury Steven W. Schwarzhans Werner Hand Suzanne J. Archer Michael 2025-06-01 A synopsis of the Early Miocene St Bathans Fauna of New Zealand https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016699524000524 Geobios Proceedings of the 10th International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution 90 163–178 10.1016/j.geobios.2024.03.002 0016-6995 As such, New Zealand’s fauna and flora evolved in the absence of mammals and generally didn’t develop the evolutionary strategies needed to avoid predation by mammals.Atkinson Ian A. E. 2001-05-01 Introduced mammals and models for restoration https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320700001890 Biological Conservation 99 1 81–96 10.1016/S0006-3207(00)00189-0 0006-3207 subscription When human activity accidentally or deliberately introduced numerous species of invasive mammalian predators to New Zealand (most notably including rats, brush-tailed possums, cats and mustelids) many of New Zealand’s native species were unable to respond and were preyed upon.Atkinson I. A. E. Introduced Mammals in a New Environment 2006 Biological Invasions in New Zealand 49–66 Allen Robert B. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-30023-6_4 2026-04-16 Berlin, Heidelberg Springer en 10.1007/3-540-30023-6_4 978-3-540-30023-6 Lee William G. subscription Because of this, the introduction of mammalian predators is strongly linked to the decline of New Zealand’s fauna and flora, having a disastrous effect on the populations of many iconic species including kiwi, tuatara and giant wētā.McLennan J A Potter M A Robertson H A Wake G C Colbourne R Dew L Joyce L McCann A J Miles J Miller P J Reid J 1996 Role of predation in the decline of kiwi, Apteryx spp, in New Zealand https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/1986 New Zealand Journal of Ecology 20 1 27–35Towns David R Daugherty Charles H Cree Alison 2001-05-01 Raising the prospects for a forgotten fauna: a review of 10 years of conservation effort for New Zealand reptiles https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320700001841 Biological Conservation 99 1 3–16 10.1016/S0006-3207(00)00184-1 0006-3207 subscription Gibbs George W. 1998-12-01 Why are some weta (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) vulnerable yet others are common? https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009660200402 Journal of Insect Conservation en 2 3 161–166 10.1023/A:1009660200402 1572-9753 subscription Because of the continuing impacts of mammalian predators in New Zealand, there is a strong need to utilise a range of specialised predator control tactics to protect New Zealand’s species, including the usage of 1080.Murphy Elaine C. Russell James C. Broome Keith G. Ryan Grant J. Dowding John E. 2019-07-01 Conserving New Zealand’s native fauna: a review of tools being developed for the Predator Free 2050 programme https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-019-01643-0 Journal of Ornithology en 160 3 883–892 10.1007/s10336-019-01643-0 2193-7206 subscription Usage right|thumb|Warning sign for 1080 bait on the West Coast Invasive species in New Zealand The largest users of 1080 in New Zealand are the Animal Health Board and the Department of Conservation (DOC). It is also used on a smaller scale for pest control by Regional Councils and private landowners. 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. Beasley Michael Guidelines for the safe use of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) New Zealand Occupational Safety & Health Service August 2002 http://osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/1080guidelines.pdf 17 December 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20130209163543/http://osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/1080guidelines.pdf 9 February 2013 1080 is considered to be suitable for use as a mammalian pest control in New Zealand because the country has only two native land mammals (bats).http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080-poison-for-pest-control/ 1080 Information Department of Conservation 22 August 2016 Department of Conservation https://web.archive.org/web/20150315024655/http://doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080-poison-for-pest-control/ 15 March 2015 dead 1080 is commonly used in Western Australia to kill feral carnivores, as the compound is naturally occurring in Western Australian flora and the native herbivores and their native predators are immune. McKenzie, R. Australian Native Poisonous Plants Australian Native Plants Society Australian Plants Online 1997 http://anpsa.org.au/APOL7/sep97-4.html 13 September 2021 Controlling conservation pests When correctly applied, 1080 is very effective at controlling conservation pests. One aerial application can kill 98% of possums and more than 90% of ratsForest & Bird website: http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/saving-our-environment/native-plants-and-animals-/protecting-native-forests-1080/1080-frequently-ask in the targeted area. These successful knock-down rates provide vulnerable native birds with a crucial breeding window to raise chicks through to fledging, increasing their survival rate. The DOC uses aerially applied 1080 poison across about 440,000 ha of conservation land each year. This equates to 5% of the total conservation estate.Department of Conservation 22 August 2016 http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/battle-for-our-birds/battle-for-our-birds-beech-mast-2014.pdf Battle for our Birds: Beech Mast Response 2014 24 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160124050131/http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/battle-for-our-birds/battle-for-our-birds-beech-mast-2014.pdf dead DOC's pest control programme is governed by residual trap catch rates, the percentage of nights in which a trap catches a pest. Targets are usually set to less than 5%,http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/inventory-monitoring/im-toolbox-animal-pests-residual-trap-catch-index-possums.pdf Animal pests: residual trap catch index for possums Version 1.0 Glen Al 2014 Department of Conservation though rates below 2% can be achieved by 1080.http://www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/monitoring/1080/1080-Watchlist/Watchlist%20Documents/10.044%20report.pdf Operational Report for Possum Control in the Mt Karioi (Pirongia Forest Park) 2009/10 17 August 2010 Department of Conservation https://web.archive.org/web/20130214185617/http://www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/monitoring/1080/1080-Watchlist/Watchlist%20Documents/10.044%20report.pdf 14 February 2013 dead Controlling agricultural pests In New Zealand, the common brushtail possum was the main vector for the spread of bovine tuberculosis—a highly contagious disease affecting farmed cattle and deer. The disease was endemic in possums across about 38% of New Zealand (known as 'vector risk areas') but industry sources acknowledge the incidence of bovine TB fell to less than 0.05% in the areas where it is monitored. The organisation responsible for managing bovine TB in New Zealand, the Animal Health Board, uses 1080 poison as one of a range Control methods Animal Health Board ahb.org.nz New Zealand August 2011 http://www.ahb.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=124 https://web.archive.org/web/20111008044851/http://www.ahb.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=124 8 October 2011 February 21, 2024 of pesticides to kill possums and control the spread of disease to both livestock and unaffected areas of the country. Aerial application of 1080 poison is only used in places where ground control methods are impractical or unable to reduce possum numbers to a low enough level to break the disease cycle. In 2011, this was less than 10% of the total area receiving possum control. Paul Livingstone Gisbourne Herald Need to keep foot on throttle 26 May 2011 http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=22957 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927185445/http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=22957 27 September 2011 New Zealand February 21, 2024 Both aerial and ground-based application of 1080 poison are also used to control rabbits, an introduced grazing pest. 1080 needed for Mackenzie rabbits Timaru Herald 3 May 2008 http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/399532/1080-needed-for-Mackenzie-rabbits Stuff New Zealand February 21, 2024 If we lose 1080, we're shot: Butcher Otago Daily Times 30 January 2010 https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/if-we-lose-1080-were-shot-butcher Rebecca Fox New Zealand February 21, 2024 By 1960, it had become the main poison used in rabbit control. The combination of aerial spreading and the use of carrots poisoned with 1080 enabled rabbit boards (which were responsible for rabbit destruction work) to reduce rabbit numbers in most areas by the early 1960s. Encyclopaedia of New Zealand http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/rabbits/3 Te Ara: Rabbits Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand New Zealand 22 August 2016 Debate right|thumb|200px|Road sign on the West Coast with graffiti opposing the use of 1080 The use of 1080 poison in New Zealand has been the subject of a long and complex debate. In general, the majority of conservationists and livestock farmers support the continued use of 1080 for pest control, while the hunting community, animal rights groups and antifluoride campaigners support a ban, although there are exceptions on both sides.Example include: http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/the-hunter-who-loves-birds/1008700/ The hunter who loves birds — an interview with hunter Paul Cutfield Wairarapa Times-Age 24 August 2009 26 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111001210404/http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/the-hunter-who-loves-birds/1008700/ 1 October 2011 dead http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/1080-drop-stop-bovine-tb-divides-farmers-3396527 1080 drop to stop bovine TB divides farmers TVNZ 7 March 2010 26 August 2011 Organised opposition is usually small-scale and localised to areas where aerial 1080 operations are carried out.Protest action promised (Greymouth Star, 2010): http://greystar.co.nz/node/198 https://web.archive.org/web/20111006121815/http://greystar.co.nz/node/198 6 October 2011 Protesters stop Coromandel 1080 drop (Waikato Times, 19 September 2009): http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2881440/Protesters-stop-Coromandel-1080-drop Protest is generally peaceful, but there have been occasions where opponents have resorted to violenceAnti-1080 protesters arrested on West Coast (Marlborough Express, 15 June 2010): http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/national-news/3814197/Anti-1080-protesters-arrested-on-West-CoastArrest over attack on conservation board chairman (New Zealand Herald, 27 July 2011)http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10741222 or sabotage.In 1995, 1080 protester Chris Short hijacked a helicopter and took two hostages (Radio New Zealand story): http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/55928/long-time-1080-protester-chris-short-diesIn 2010, anti-1080 activists placed a fake bomb at the headquarters of a Taupō 1080 poison contractor (The Dominion Post, 19 June 2010): http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3830385/1080-bomb-hoax-a-terrorist-act In August 2007, the Environmental Risk Management Authority released a review that gave new guidelines for the use of 1080 in New Zealand, and concluded the beneficial effects of pest eradication outweighed the risks.Environmental Risk Management Authority Decision on 1080 ERMA New Zealand August 2007 http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf 17 December 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071028152031/http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf 28 October 2007 dead 1080 decomposes in natural water and soil into harmless compounds. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Biosecurity_EnvironmentalPests/IPA-Wild-Dog-Fact-Sheet-1080.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120328110301/http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Biosecurity_EnvironmentalPests/IPA-Wild-Dog-Fact-Sheet-1080.pdf 28 March 2012 1080 – Sodium fluoroacetate Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Queensland 29 November 2008 In June 2011, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) released a report in favour of 1080 to control possums, rats, and stoats, especially in large and remote areas. It is seen as an effective poison for aerial spreading. The PCE came to a number of conclusions, including not having a moratorium on 1080 use, and setting up a Game Animal Council.http://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/all-publications/evaluating-the-use-of-1080-predators-poisons-and-silent-forests/ Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests June 2011 Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 7 June 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110614233345/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/all-publications/evaluating-the-use-of-1080-predators-poisons-and-silent-forests 14 June 2011 In 2004, anti-1080 activist Phillip Anderton posed for the New Zealand media with a kiwi he claimed had been poisoned. An investigation revealed that Anderton lied to journalists and the public.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rosaleen-macbrayne/news/article.cfm?a_id=132&objectid=3588802 Poison campaigner fined after using kiwi in stunt Macbrayne, Rosaleen 3 September 2004 The New Zealand Herald 13 October 2011 He had used a kiwi that had been caught in a possum trap. thumb|Sign at a supermarket after someone had threatened to poison infant milk with 1080 In 2015, the New Zealand Police revealed that anonymous blackmail threats were sent to Fonterra and Federated Farmers saying that infant formula in supermarkets would be poisoned unless the use of 1080 was halted by the end of the month.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11415072 New Zealand investigating threat to poison baby formula Associated Press The New Zealand Herald 10 March 2015http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/police-to-1080-blackmailer-you-know-who-you-are-2015031214 Police to 1080 blackmailer: 'You know who you are' 3 News 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090028/http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/police-to-1080-blackmailer-you-know-who-you-are-2015031214 2 April 2015 dead Fonterra responded by working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to develop two high-throughput, validated test methods and then testing every tanker of milk and every batch of infant formula for 1080.https://www.nzx.com/companies/FSF/announcements/261661 Fonterra Acknowledges Threat Investigation. New Zealand Stock Exchange Announcement.Cooney Terry P. Varelis Peter Bendall Justin G. February 2016 High-Throughput Quantification of Monofluoroacetate (1080) in Milk as a Response to an Extortion Threat Journal of Food Protection 79 2 273–281 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-15-405 26818988 freeFleury Lauren M. Scahill Bryan G. Taskova Rilka 1 February 2016 Determination of Sodium Fluoroacetate in Dairy Powders by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2015.02 Journal of AOAC International en 99 1 242–251 10.5740/jaoacint.15-0154 26856765 1060-3271 The ensuing police response Operation Concord led to charges laid against 60-year-old businessman Jeremy Hamish Kerr, who pleaded guilty to two charges of blackmail and was sentenced to 8 years 6 months imprisonment.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11539838 1080 blackmail case heads to High Court Associated Press The New Zealand Herald 4 November 2015 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr jailed for eight and a half years http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11610428 23 March 2016 The New Zealand Herald 23 March 2016 Kerr had developed a rival brand of poison called Feratox and made the threats for financial gain.http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/77334419/1080-blackmailer-Jeremy-Kerr-was-in-business-with-Government 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr was in business with Government The court heard that Kerr received around $100,000 a year in royalties from Feratox, but sales were dwindling. Support The following agencies, organisations and political parties support the use of 1080 in New Zealand: The Animal Health Board, New Zealand's largest user of 1080 poison, strongly advocates for the continued use of 1080 to control the main TB vector — the common brushtail possum.http://www.ahb.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=211&xmid=3911 Animal Health Board welcomes 1080 report ahb.org.nz 8 June 2011 AHB 26 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111008044921/http://www.ahb.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=211&xmid=3911 8 October 2011 dead The Department of Conservation, New Zealand's second-largest user of 1080 poison, strongly advocates for the continued use of 1080 poison to control ecological pests.http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2011/independent-report-by-environmental-watchdog-endorses-1080/ Independent report by environmental watchdog endorses 1080 Department of Conservation 8 June 2010 DOC 11 January 2012 22 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121122142630/http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2011/independent-report-by-environmental-watchdog-endorses-1080/ dead Federated Farmers, New Zealand's biggest farmers' advocacy organisation, strongly supports the continued use of 1080 to control agricultural pests.http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/1080 Federated Farmers praise report on 1080 fedfarm.org.nz 8 June 2011 Federated Farmers 9 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110928101330/http://www.fedfarm.org.nz/1080 28 September 2011 dead Forest & Bird, New Zealand's biggest conservation charity, strongly advocates for the continued use of 1080 poison to control ecological pests.8 June 2011 http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/publications/media-releases/forest-bird-and-federated-farmers-praise-report-on-1080 Forest & Bird praise report on 1080 Forest & Bird media release 26 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927095253/http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/publications/media-releases/forest-bird-and-federated-farmers-praise-report-on-1080 27 September 2011 dead The Labour Party, one of New Zealand's two biggest parties, expressed strong support for the recommendations in the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's report into 1080http://www.labour.org.nz/node/3751 New Zealand Labour Party supports 1080 reassessment labour.org.nz 8 June 2011 Labour Party 9 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927043826/http://www.labour.org.nz/node/3751 27 September 2011 dead The National Party, one of New Zealand's two biggest parties, welcomed the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment on the use of 1080 as the most effective tool available for pest management in New Zealand.(National Party media release, 8 June 2011): http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36209 https://web.archive.org/web/20120320173227/http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=36209 20 March 2012 ACT, New Zealand's classical liberal party, does not support a ban on the use of 1080.http://www.animalhealthmag.com/articles/sept08/going_political_poisons.htm Animal Health — Going Political with Poisons animalhealthmag.com 26 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120331065027/http://www.animalhealthmag.com/articles/sept08/going_political_poisons.htm 31 March 2012 dead Local Government New Zealand, the organisation that represents the national interests of local councils, stated in a submission to the 2007 ERMA reassessment that "1080 is an important tool in New Zealand for pest animal control and TB control, as well as helping to maintain and protect our unique native flora and fauna."http://www.lgnz.co.nz/library/files/store_015/LGNZ_Submission_on_1080.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120301020923/http://www.lgnz.co.nz/library/files/store_015/LGNZ_Submission_on_1080.pdf 1 March 2012 LGNZ submission to the ERMA reasessment of 1080 poison 2007 lgnz.co.nz The Environmental Risk Management Authority concluded, in its 2007 reassessment of 1080, that the benefits of using it clearly outweighed the risks.http://archive.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120331115613/http://archive.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/Decision%20_2007.08.10_%20FINAL.pdf 31 March 2012 Final Decision 20 archive.ermanz.govt.nz 10 August 2007 The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (Te Kaitiaki Taiao a Te Whare Pāremata), whose role it is to review and provide advice on environmental issues and the system of agencies and processes established by the government to manage the environment, concluded in their 2011 report on the poison that if we want to keep our forests for future generations we simply cannot afford to stop using 1080.Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment http://www.pce.parliament.nz/media/media-releases/1080-must-not-be-banned-environment-commissioner 1080 Must Not Be Banned pce.parliament.nz 27 September 2011 27 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127135204/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/media/media-releases/1080-must-not-be-banned-environment-commissioner dead The New Zealand Veterinary Association recognises that, in the absence of effective alternatives, the continued use of 1080 as a means of pest control (possums and some other introduced species) is necessary to assist the eradication of bovine tuberculosis and the conservation of New Zealand's unique native flora and fauna.https://nzva.org.nz/positions-advocacy/position-statements/1080 NZVA Position Statement on 1080 poison nzva.org.nz 1 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20260310040632/https://nzva.org.nz/positions-advocacy/position-statements/1080/ 10 March 2026 live Opposition These organisations and political parties have opposed the use of 1080 in New Zealand: The Royal New Zealand SPCA has called for a move away from 1080, stating that its use: "inflicts terrible, prolonged suffering on the animals that it poisons"http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1410/S00151/time-to-find-alternatives-to-1080.htm Time to find alternatives to 1080 but it recognises there is currently no alternative: "SPCA would like to see New Zealand move away from a reliance on poisons, including 1080, with the ultimate goal of being able to stop their use. We are realistic and pragmatic and we understand humane alternative solutions take time to develop and implement."https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/spca-faqs-pest-species-and-pest-control SPCA FAQs: Pest species and pest control The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, which promotes the interests of hunters in New Zealand, have reiterated their national policy of opposing 1080 poisoning in the face of the Parliamentary Commission report advocating its increased use.Deerstalkers restate 1080 disapproval Southland Times 9 June 2011 http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/5118985/Deerstalkers-restate-1080-disapproval The United Future political party, dissolved in 2017, supported fur recovery and trapping methods over aerial 1080, and labelled the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's report on 1080 a "kick in the guts for many of our provincial communities".1080 report 'kick in guts for communities' (United Future media release, 8 June 2011): http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/dunne-1080-report-kick-in-guts-for-communities/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110808154334/http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/dunne-1080-report-kick-in-guts-for-communities/ 8 August 2011 The Kiwi Party, dissolved in 2011, said, "the government-funded science for 1080 was not credible as government owned the 1080 factory and government-funded agencies spread the poison."Pro 1080 line flawed (Kiwi Party media release, June 2011): http://www.thekiwiparty.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=210&Itemid=59 https://web.archive.org/web/20111003060813/http://www.thekiwiparty.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=210&Itemid=59 3 October 2011 SAFE, an animal rights group, considers the use of 1080 poisoning an extremely cruel practice.1080 (SAFE website): http://safe.org.nz/issue/1080 https://web.archive.org/web/20161018202552/http://safe.org.nz/issue/1080 18 October 2016 Ban 1080 Party, a single-issue party dissolved in 2018, was founded by Bill Wallace and opposed the use of 1080 poison. The party's co-leaders were Bill Wallace and Mike Downard.Party website: https://ban1080.co.nz/ https://web.archive.org/web/20150405013107/http://ban1080.co.nz/ 5 April 2015 Neutral stance These organisations and political parties have a neutral stance on the use of 1080 poison in New Zealand: The Māori Party welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's 2011 report on 1080.Maori Party reviewing its bill to ban the import, manufacture and use of 1080 in Aotearoa (Māori Party media release, 8 June 2011): http://maoriparty.org/index.php?pag=nw&id=1688&p=maori-party-reviewing-its-bill-to-ban-the-import-manufacture-and-use-of-1080-in-aotearoa-rahui-katene.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120331065153/http://maoriparty.org/index.php?pag=nw&id=1688&p=maori-party-reviewing-its-bill-to-ban-the-import-manufacture-and-use-of-1080-in-aotearoa-rahui-katene.html 31 March 2012 As a result of the report, it has dropped its call to ban 1080. In the run up to the 2011 general election, its party line was that "(1080 is) all we have at the moment and it's really good for the things like the rats and the stoats" but says more research is needed.Rahui Katene, quoted in the Election soapbox: 1080 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/readers-reporter/5969642/Election-soapbox-1080 Alternatives Biodegradable 1080 poison is the only pesticide currently registered for use on mainland New Zealand as suitable for aerial targeting of possums. While many research teams are actively seeking new and supplemental approaches to current technologies, no method has yet gained widespread acceptance as a viable alternative to 1080.http://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2010/07/20/alternatives-to-1080-pest-control-what-and-when/ Alternatives to 1080 pest control - what and when? 20 July 2010 Research New Zealand currently spends at least $8 million annually on improving existing pest control technology and developing new methods.http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080-pest-control/1080-questions-and-answers/#alternatives 1080 questions and answers: Methods of control 24 August 2011 3 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110803100453/http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080-pest-control/1080-questions-and-answers#alternatives dead According to the EPA's Annual Report on the Aerial Use of 1080,Environmental Protection Authority's Annual Report on the Aerial Use of 1080 For the year ended 31 December 2010 (TABLE 4) http://www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/EPA%201080%20AR%202010%20web.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120428175652/http://www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/EPA%201080%20AR%202010%20web.pdf 28 April 2012 as of October 2011 there are currently over 50 research projects underway industry-wide to find improvements in the use of 1080, alternatives to 1080 and other related topics. Comparing pest control methods In the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's June 2011 re-evaluation of 1080, these questions were used for assessing the effectiveness and safety of 1080, as well as current and prospective alternatives Can the method decrease populations of possums, rats and stoats? Can the method increase populations of native species? Can the method rapidly knock down erupting populations of pests? Can the method be used on a large scale in remote areas? Is the method sufficiently cost-effective? Does the method leave residues in the environment? Can by-kill from the method be minimised? Does the method endanger people? Does the method kill humanely? The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's conclusion with regards to 1080 was, "It is not perfect, but given how controversial it remains, I for one expected that it would not be as effective and safe as it is".http://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/all-publications/evaluating-the-use-of-1080-predators-poisons-and-silent-forests/ Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests 6 June 2011 Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 7 June 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110614233345/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/all-publications/evaluating-the-use-of-1080-predators-poisons-and-silent-forests 14 June 2011 The Parliamentary Commissioner reached the following conclusions regarding the possible alternatives to 1080 poison currently available in New Zealand. Pindone, diphacinone, and coumatetralyl Pindone, diphacinone, and coumatetralyl are the first-generation anticoagulants most commonly used for pest control. They are generally very effective at controlling rats to keep their numbers low, but cannot effectively deal with sudden population surges. Anticoagulants break down very slowly in water and soil. They also accumulate in the liver tissue of live animals that have been exposed to the poison (either by eating bait or feeding on an animal that has eaten bait) and in carcasses. They are also the most inhumane of the poisons currently used.Beausoleil, N.J., Fisher, P., Warburton, B. and Mellor D.J. 2010. How humane are our pest control tools? Part 1. Vertebrate toxic agents and kill traps in mammal species. Unpublished report prepared for Biosecurity New Zealand, Project No. 11326. 86 p. By-kill of native species is a significant risk from the use of first-generation anticoagulants.Fairweather, A. and Fisher, P. 2010. Pindone. A review of current knowledge. Pesticide information reviews series, Part 10 (Version 2010/1 updated August 2010). Different types of anticoagulants need to be rotated to avoid populations becoming bait-shy or building up resistance. Brodifacoum Brodifacoum is a second-generation anticoagulant. It is licensed for killing possums and rats. Like 1080, it will kill stoats that feed on poisoned animals. It has been successfully used in aerial operations to completely eradicate possums, rats, and stoats on several offshore islands and fenced 'mainland islands' that are now sanctuaries for endangered animals,http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/index.cfm?A6FA346B-14C2-3D2D-B961-557E260B50CB Brodifacoum. A review of current knowledge. Version 2.6. (Fisher, P and Fairweather, A) Department of Conservation Pesticide Information Reviews series 27 January 2012 22 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522151250/http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/index.cfm?A6FA346B-14C2-3D2D-B961-557E260B50CB dead but it is not currently registered in New Zealand for general aerial use on the mainland. Brodifacoum takes a very long time to break down in soil and water and accumulates in the tissue of exposed animals for years. Consequently, there is a very high risk of by-kill: it is known to have killed at least 21 species of native birds, including kiwi, kākā, kākāriki and tūī.Fisher, P. and Fairweather, A. 2010. Brodifacoum. A review of current knowledge. Version 2.6. Department of Conservation Pesticide Information Reviews series. Department of Conservation, Hamilton. It is also widely considered a very inhumane poison.Littin, K.E., O’Connor, C.E., Gregory, N.G., Mellor, D.J. and Eason, C.T. 2002. Behaviour, coagulopathy and pathology of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) poisoned with brodifacoum. Wildlife Research 29: 259–267. Cyanide Cyanide has been used in New Zealand since the 1940s, and is licensed for killing possums and wallabies. It is a highly lethal, broad-spectrum poison that depletes cells of energy, quickly resulting in respiratory arrest and death.Eason, C.T. and Wickstrom, M. 2001. Vertebrate pesticide toxicology manual (poisons). Department of Conservation Technical Series 23. Ground-laid cyanide has killed native species and other animals in the past (including kiwi, kea, weka, and bats) and it takes only a tiny amount of cyanide to kill a human. While there are antidotes to cyanide poisoning, their effectiveness is controversial and the rapid action of the poison limits the time in which they can be used.Fisher, P. and Fairweather, A. 2009. Cyanide. A review of current knowledge. Pesticide information reviews series. Part 1 (Version 1.5 updated June 2011). Its effectiveness varies because of bait shyness.Fisher, P. and Fairweather, A. 2009. Cyanide. A review of current knowledge. Version 1.5, Department of Conservation, DOCDM-25420. Cholecalciferol Cholecalciferol naturally occurs as vitamin D3 in many foods, including fish. It was developed as a poison to control rats and mice in the 1980s. It works by leaching calcium from the bones of the poisoned animal into its bloodstream, leading to organ failure. Cholecalciferol will reduce populations of possums and rats, but not stoats, since it does not bioaccumulate in animals. It breaks down readily in the environment and the risk of by-kill is considered to be low. Cholecalciferol is more expensive to produce than 1080. Some promising results have been obtained by combining cholecalciferol with other substances, such as aspirin, to make it more cost-effective and faster acting.Eason, C., Murphy, E., Ogilvie, S., Blackie, H., Ross, J., Kaveramann, M., Sam, S., Statham, M., Statham, H., Lapidge, S., Humphrys, S., Henderson, R., MacMorran, D., Gibson, T., Gregory, N., Harrison, J., Giles, G., Sammut, I., Jansen, P., Conole, D., Rennison, D. and Brimble, M. 2010. Trends in vertebrate pesticide use and new developments: New Zealand initiatives and international implications. Proc. 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference (R.M. Timm and K.A. Fagerstone, eds.). Cholecalciferol is very inhumane.Beausoleil, N.J., Fisher, P., Warburton, B. and Mellor D.J. 2010. How humane are our pest control tools? Part 1. Vertebrate toxic agents and kill traps in mammal species. Unpublished report prepared for Biosecurity New Zealand, Project No. 11326 Para-aminopropiophenone Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) was developed to control stoats, weasels, and feral cats, and registered for use in New Zealand in 2011.Shapiro, L., Eason, C.T., Murphy, E., Dilks, P., Hix, S., Ogilvie, S.C. and MacMorran, D. 2010. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) research, development, registration, and application for humane predator control in New Zealand. Proc. 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference. (R.M. Timm and K.A. Fagerstone, eds.) pp. 108–114. It kills by preventing red blood cells from carrying oxygen. PAPP kills stoats directly, but not possums and rats. It is approved for use in paste form or in fresh minced meat, so will only provide effective stoat control as part of intensive ground control. The risk of by-kill is likely to be low since it does not leave residues in the environment. Zinc phosphide Zinc phosphide (microencapsulated zinc phosphide paste) has been widely used overseas for decades, predominantly to control rats and mice on agricultural land. It causes death by heart or respiratory failure.Beausoleil, N.J., Fisher, P., Warburton, B. and Mellor D.J. 2010. How humane are our pest control tools? Part 1. Vertebrate toxic agents and kill traps in mammal species. Unpublished report prepared for Biosecurity New Zealand, Project No. 11326. In August 2011, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority approved the import and manufacture of microencapsulated zinc phosphide (MZP paste) as an alternative to 1080 for the ground control of possums. The application was made by Pest Tech Limited, with support from Connovation Ltd, Lincoln University, and the Animal Health Board. It will be used as an additional vertebrate poison in certain situations. Unlike 1080, it cannot be used for aerial application. Environment Risk Management Authority New Zealand Zinc phosphide pest poison approved with controls 14 August 2011 http://www.epa.govt.nz/news/erma-media-releases/Pages/Zinc-phosphide-pest-poison-approved-with-controls-.aspx https://web.archive.org/web/20120225201641/http://www.epa.govt.nz/news/erma-media-releases/Pages/Zinc-phosphide-pest-poison-approved-with-controls-.aspx 25 February 2012 dead Sodium nitrite Sodium nitrite is a naturally occurring substance commonly used as a meat preservative, but toxic at higher doses. It kills in a similar way as PAPP, by reducing the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Sodium nitrite is expected to be registered for use in for killing possums, but not rats. It will not control stoats because it will not knock down rat populations or bioaccumulate in poisoned animals. It does not leave residues in the environment and the risk of by-kill is expected to be low. It is much more humane than 1080.Richards K. Pollock Y. Shankar R. Staples L. Marshall D. Allen B. L. King R. Hewitt R. D'Souza D. 2025-09-01 Microencapsulated sodium nitrite is a humane solution for domestic grower pig depopulation during an emergency animal disease response https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/avj.13466 Australian Veterinary Journal en 103 9 582–591 10.1111/avj.13466 1751-0813 subscription Trapping Ground operations of which trapping is an important component have been shown to help populations of native birds. Possums, rats, and stoats can all be killed with traps. However, an intensive ground operation will typically involve trapping possums and stoats, but poisoning rats because there are so many more of them and they reproduce quickly. In a mass event, populations of rodents rapidly increase as much as ten-fold, and traps simply cannot be deployed rapidly enough or in sufficient numbers to knock them down. Some terrain is too rugged or dangerous for trapping, and trapping is not practical on a large scale. In one day, a single trapper can check traps on tens of hectares, whereas an aerial 1080 drop can cover tens of thousands of hectares. Once a trap has 'snapped', it will not catch another animal unless it is reset. Traps need to be checked and reset regularly, which makes them labour-intensive. Self-resetting traps, such as the Goodnature trap,http://goodnature.co.nz.s52206.gridserver.com/news/?cat=10 news goodnature goodnature.co.nz.s52206.gridserver.com 3 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120425132439/http://goodnature.co.nz.s52206.gridserver.com/news/?cat=10 25 April 2012 dead are being developed and trialled, and could in the future significantly reduce labour costs and increase the cost-effectiveness of ground control operations. Twenty three species of native birds have been reported as having been killed by leg-hold traps,Spurr, E. 2000. Impacts of possum control on non-target species. In: T. Montague (ed.). The brushtail possum: biology, impact and management of an introduced marsupial. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln. and many kiwi have suffered leg or beak damage.Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. 1994. Possum management in New Zealand. Wellington. These traps are now required to be set up off the ground on conservation land where kiwi or weka (which are ground-dwelling birds) live. Biological control Biological control has been likened to the 'Holy Grail' of pest control by a number of sources,The ecological challenge of immunocontraception (Barlow, N.D.), Journal of Applied Ecology 2000, 37, 897±902Norris, A et al. Review of the management of feral animals and their impact on biodiversity in the rangelands. Pest Animal Control CRC Report, June 2005 and was a major focus for research funding during the 1990s and 2000s in both New Zealand and Australia. Most of the methods proposed involved some form of genetic engineering, and if developed further would attract a great deal of public opposition. No biological control method has therefore yet gained widespread acceptance as a viable alternative to 1080. See also Common brushtail possum in New Zealand Biodiversity of New Zealand Conservation in New Zealand Hunting in New Zealand Animal welfare in New Zealand Predator Free 2050 References Further reading The reassessment of 1080 ERMA Wellington, NZ 13 August 2007 978-0-478-21538-0 http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/erma%201080%20reassessment%20final.pdf 1 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522041437/http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/1080/ERMA%201080%20Reassessment%20FINAL.pdf 22 May 2010 http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests June 2011 Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 7 June 2011 9 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111009001535/http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-1080.pdf dead Federated Farmers busts the myths about 1080 poison – New Zealand Federated Farmers New Zealand Labour Party supports 1080 reassessment. June 2011 – Labour Party (New Zealand) New Zealand National Party supports 1080 reassessment. June 2011 – National Party (New Zealand) Māori Party reconsiders position after 1080 reassessment. June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120614054204/http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/maori-party-welcomes-1080-report/1861/91770 14 June 2012 – Māori Party New Zealand Green Party welcomes 1080 reassessment but remains committed to finding alternatives to the poison. June 2011 – Green Party (New Zealand) http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/editorial/1080-poison-debate/ "1080 is the best we have" (Editorial) 13 June 2011 The New Zealand Listener 9 August 2011 1080 report "a kick in the guts" says United Future Party leader. June 2011 – The Press (New Zealand) "We have no choice but to use 1080" – The Dominion Post editorial 9 June 2011 "Killing Schrödinger’s Feral Cat" 1 January 2013 External links 1080 poison for pest control at the Department of Conservation Exposure and Risk Assessment (1080) at ERMA New Zealand 1080 Information at the Animal Health Board 1080 at the NZ EPA 1080 information at Forest and Bird 1080:The Facts https://web.archive.org/web/20160616091820/http://www.1080facts.co.nz/ 16 June 2016 – a joint Federated Farmers and Forest and Bird initiative 1080 and kiwi in the Waikato Region at the Waikato Regional Council Category:Environmental issues in New Zealand Category:Nature conservation in New Zealand Category:Agriculture in New Zealand Category:Pesticides in New Zealand Category:Controversies in New Zealand Category:2010s in New Zealand