Fox Baiting Program Recommencement Nov 2023 – Apr 2024

By bridgethalsall | October 24, 2023

Notice of fox poisoning program using 1080 baits

Parks Victoria (PV) in partnership with Falls Creek Alpine Resort and Mt Hotham Alpine Resort will be undertaking a 1080 pest animal control program using buried baits on public land at:
See Table and Map – to control Red Fox.
This ongoing fox control program is being conducted in the Alpine National Park and within the Alpine Resorts of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, to protect the endangered Mountain Pygmy Possum and other threatened fauna. The program uses poison baits, and this notice provides you with the information to reduce associated risks, in particular to domestic dogs.

Baits will be buried to a depth of at least 10 cm and checked and replaced regularly. Baits will be laid along, vehicle tracks, walking tracks and access routes within areas in the attached map.

Awareness of 1080 bait use on Public Land is vital for the safe management of domestic animals. If a property is occupied or used by persons other than yourself, the provision of this information, by you to them may reduce the potentially negative impacts of 1080 on domestic animals such as pets and working dogs.

The poison to be used is compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) which is contained within an approved bait type for the pest species. DeFox®, Foxoff®, FoxShield®, fresh liver and dried meat poison baits will be used.

Posioning will occur from 1st November 2023 until 19th April 2024, after which time the bait stations will be closed.

The use of the 1080  pest animal  bait product will comply with the product label and the Directions for the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria. When used in accordance  with the product label and the Directions for the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria the chances of non-target animal impacts are reduced but there is still some associated risk. By being aware of the dangers  you can help manage the risk.

To minimise the risk of poisoning to your animals you are advised:

  1. Dogs are not permitted  in the Alpine  National  Park.  Dogs are not permitted  in Falls Creek Alpine  Resort or Mt Hotham Alpine Resort without a permit provided by the Alpine Resorts.  Permit holders must comply with  permit conditions and ensure dogs are always  under effective  control and under no circumstances enter the off-limit areas outlined  in these  permits. Baits at Falls Creek Alpine  Resort will only be laid  in areas in which domestic dogs are prohibited  within the resort.
  2. Confine,  muzzle and/ or restrain your domestic animals,  particularly dogs and cats, to prevent them from accessing  1080  pest animal  poison baits or carcasses.
  3. Foxes may sometimes  carry DeFox®,  Foxoff®,  FoxShield®,  fresh liver or dried meat baits to a different  location  and cache them (store them). These  baits are still poisonous.
  4. 1080  may remain active in  poisoned  animals  and/or baits for several weeks dependent  on prevailing  environmental conditions.  Over time,  1080  is  leeched  by rain and degraded  by bacteria  or moulds.
  5. Domestic  animals,  particularly  dogs and cats,  are susceptible  to primary  poisoning  from ingesting 1080 pest animal bait products and secondary poisoning from ingesting  contaminated carcasses.  It is unusual for domestic  animals  to scavenge  on fox carcasses.
  6. Closely monitor the health and behaviour of your domestic pets. If you notice any unusual or uncharacteristic  behaviour contact your local veterinarian  immediately.
  7. There is a delay in  the poison action  of 1080  and animals that have ingested 1080 pest animal bait products may die on your property.
  8. If you find any carcasses you suspect may be poisoned  advise Falls Creek Alpine Resort or Parks Victoria,  Mount Beauty Office. Contact details are listed below.
  9. Do not disturb bait stations or sand mounds.

Where can I take my dog? View map

Danger to humans

Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a restricted schedule 7 poison and there is no known antidote.  If you are handling poison bait and/or carcasses always use protective rubber gloves and wash hands and gloves thoroughly after contact.

When used in accordance with the product label and Directions for the Use of 1080 Products in Victoria, there is little risk of humans being poisoned by 1080 pest animal bait products.

Although the 1080 and PAPP used in  1080 and PAPP pest animal bait products is substantially diluted, 1080 and PAPP pest animal baits and poisoned carcasses must be treated with care.

If poisoning occurs immediately contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Further information on the use and handling of 1080 is available from 1080 pest animal bait manufacturers.

For further information please contact:

Parks Victoria Kiewa & Murray Area
Telephone: 13 1963

Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Telephone: (03) 5758 1200

Mt Hotham Alpine Resort
Telephone: (03) 5759 3550

Alpine National Park and Falls Creek Resort Fox Baiting Zone Tracks and Localities

Affected Road Alpine Resort or National Park (NP) Area
Great Alpine Road Hotham, Alpine NP
Dargo High Plains Road Hotham, Alpine NP
Mt Loch Track Hotham
Machinery Spur Track Hotham, Alpine NP
Bogong High Plains Road Falls Creek, Alpine NP
Road 24 Falls Creek
Mt McKay Road Falls Creek
Pretty Valley Road Falls Creek, Alpine NP
Australian Alps Walking Track Hotham, Alpine NP
Big River Fire Track Alpine NP
Spion Kopje Fire Track Alpine NP
Marum Point Track Alpine NP
Kelly Track Alpine NP
Langfords East Aqueduct Track Alpine NP
Langfords West Aqueduct Track Alpine NP
Fainter Fire Track Alpine NP
Cope Saddle Track Alpine NP
Cope East Aqueduct Track Alpine NP
Cope West Aqueduct Track Alpine NP
Posted in Public Notices