Shane Ardern National Conservation Spokesperson

27th January 2004

Govt urged to look at possum poison

National's Conservation Spokesperson Shane Ardern has congratulated East Tamaki company Feral R & D on the international success of their pest control poison, and called on the Government to take note.

Feratox, a cyanide poison extremely effective in reducing New Zealand's possum population, has been approached by pest control organisations in South America and Australia to deal with similar problems.

"It's a very innovative, successful product yet Government purchases of the poison are at about the same level as individual farmers. Given the Government's confused stance on possums and 1080, one would think that Clark, Carter and co. would be all over Feratox.

"The devastation caused by possums is immense, as is the risk that these animals pose as vectors of TB. Initiatives such as that undertaken by Feral R & D should be utilised more widely."

Developed with a Technology New Zealand grant initiated by the previous National Government, Feratox accounts for roughly 8 million possums a year.

"Imagine how many more could be culled if the Labour Government increased it's possum control area on Department of Conservation estate from the paltry 13% now undertaken. It would be a far better investment than spending millions of dollars buying farms like Birchwood Station," said Mr Ardern.

Ends

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