People power against possums?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 455, 29 September 1992, Page 2

People power against possums?

From page 1 just about be able to use the stuff as a breakfast cereal! There are however, other views. Inter-na-tional environmental groups have also published reports on 1080. Concerns include high water solubility and large capacity for absorption by vegetable matter. This is of course disputed by the pro-1080 lobby. The second area of environmental concern is the effect of 1080 on non-target species, notably birds and insects. The arguments as to whether 1080 is environmentally friendly are complex and are no doubt coloured by which side of the fence one is sitting on. The key issue at the end of the day is that there is an area of doubt as to its environmental acceptability. An immediate problem facing farmers given the secondary poisoning aspects of 1080, is its lethal effect on dogs. It is easy to romanticise the farmer/dog relationship but on most properties the sheep-dog is an invaluable tool to its owner. The importance of the sheep-dog- 1080 equation is further high-

lighted when applied to larger properties which are dependent on a staff of shepherds for their viability. A shepherd' s security is in his team of dogs and it's little wonder that most of them show a marked reluctance to work on properties subject to a 1080 programme. There are, however, alternatives to 1080. Public tendering should be allowed for possum control. The criteria should be set out properly as to the quality of private operators, otherwise the scheme would be liable to failure from its inception. The introduction of such a scheme would enable the land-owner to have a choice of possum control. This would no doubt enhance a feeling of co-operation in the achievement of the common goal of killing possums. A people-based scheme as opposed to poison-based would also provide rural employment on a nation-wide basis. It is generally accepted that the main cause in the spread of TB is stock movement. This is an area which must be subject to rigid controls.

Under the present system of trying to eradicate the possum by the use of 1080 and with the current funding base, it is not possible to succeed. Not only are we destroying any potential export opportunities with the associated earning, it is probable going down the 1080 track is going to lead to further demands for funding and still not conquer the problem. The path I suggest is not the easy one and no doubt will experience the hiccups of any new venture. If it has any chance of success it must be able to rely on the support and experience of the appropriate authorities. It can-

not afford to be fighting a rear-guard action at the same time as trying to establish itself. I believe that given time and a fair shot, this scheme will fit in perfectly with the new concept of sustainable agriculture. In this article I have only high-lighted one area in the campaign against TB » There are other issues The up and coming meeting with Richard Alspach is one of critical importance to this district. He is chairman of Animal Health Board. This organisation is funded by farmers and it is vital that we have input into the formulation of its policy.