The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Animal Control Products Ltd (Orillion) are currently developing a toxic bait for landscape control of feral cats. The bait being trialled is an 18g meat sausage that contains 4.5mg of sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Previous trials of this sausage bait have shown excellent results in controlling feral cats. This is a comparison trial, to determine whether toxic sausages are as effective with no prefeed, as they are with a prefeed application. The results of which could mean significant resource savings in the use of the bait in the future. Baits will be aerially applied at a density of one 18g bait per hectare on average, in early February 2026 (weather dependent) at both sites listed in the table below. Prefeed application of non-toxic baits will be followed 7-10 days later by the toxin application. Prefeed will likely take one day to complete while toxin application will likely occur over a two day period. The two treatment sites are located within the Eyre Mountains, Southland:

Site: Eyre Creek

Size: 3848ha

Prefeed: No prefeed application

Toxin: Toxin application

Site: Upper Oreti River

Size:3667ha

Prefeed: Prefeed application

Toxin: Toxin application

At Eyre Creek and Upper Oreti River, warning signs will be in erected at all public points of entry to the treatment area prior to the toxic bait application. These will be in place for the duration of the caution period (at least 6 months). Presence of these signs indicates pesticide residues may remain in baits and/or animals. Whilst signs remain in place:

• DO NOT TOUCH toxic baits

• WATCH CHILDREN at all times

• DO NOT EAT ANIMALS from this area

• Note that poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY TO DOGS.

The removal of the warning signs will tell you that you can resume normal activities in the area. If in doubt, check with DOC.

For further information on the operation please visit www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/ alerts/ or alternatively contact the National Eradication Team by email at [email protected]