Submissions sought on new Possum Poison

ERMA New Zealand is calling for public submissions on an application for a possible alternative to 1080 for ground-based control of possums.

Connovation Ltd is applying to import and manufacture encapsulated sodium nitrite as a ground-laid poison primarily for possum control, although there may also be a minor use for feral pig control.

Connovation Ltd says in the application that control of possums has been heavily dependent on 1080 and an alternative ground control poison which has a reduced risk of secondary poisoning to dogs would be beneficial.

The application says the poison is more humane in its action and an antidote is available for cases of accidental poisoning.

The paste bait would be restricted to ground-based control operations and use in bait stations as this would also reduce the risk to non-target species.

The application says sodium nitrite will biodegrade and is not bioaccumulative or persistent in the environment. The bait will also be coloured green as a deterrent to birds.

Interested parties and the public are invited to make submissions on the application (reference ERMA200659), which is available on the ERMA New Zealand website at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ERMA200570_Application_Form.pdf

Submissions close on 17 December 2010.

All submissions will be considered, and a hearing may be held if requested, before a committee of the Authority makes its decision.