A winter fox baiting program has commenced in the Rushworth and Redcastle-Graytown State Forests to help protect native animals and livestock from the declared pest.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will be using Canid Pest Ejectors (CPE's) to reduce the number of foxes in the area.
CPE's are a mechanical device designed to propel toxin directly into the mouth of a fox when it pulls on the lure head.
FFMVic Senior Forest Manager and Roading Officer, Braden Pearce said the baiting program will run from Monday 17 June until late July 2024.
"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," Mr Pearce said.
"Foxes are known to carry diseases, increase the spread of weeds in our state forests and interfere with threatened species recovery and re-introduction programs."
CPE's containing PAPP (Para-aminopropiophenone) poison will be monitored regularly throughout the program and the lure heads and/or PAPP capsules will be replaced weekly. All CPE's will be removed at the end of the program.
"Canid Pest Ejectors will be used according to strict guidelines that minimise the risk of other species taking them," Mr Pearce said.
"CPE's pose a risk to domestic animals if they pull on the lure head. We ask that nearby landholders ensure their dogs and other pets are confined to their property. Visitors to these areas 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 CPE baiting program."
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, foxes are declared as established pest animals in Victoria.
Baiting is only one part of an integrated pest control program. The best results are achieved when all landholders work collaboratively and at landscape scale to implement a broad scale control program. Landowners can find more information on how to control foxes at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals/invasive-animal-management/integrated-fox-control
