Good news on baits
A new bait is being developed that, unlike 1080, is humane, is not expected to affect marsupials and would have an antidote if farm dogs were accidentally poisoned.
The chemical works on the haemoglobin, making the animal sleepy before it dies, within 40-80 minutes. With 1080, it takes many hours and causes severe thrashing and fits before death.
For three years the wool industry has funded this research. It seems that they anticipate 1080 will become a very contentious issue in the future – and they’re right on that one! It is hoped that it could be on the market within another two years after more testing on wildlife is carried out. These tests do not require lethal dose testing.
The Invasive Species Cooperative Research Centre in Canberra is overseeing the research.