Rabbit control operations set to begin across Central Otago
Rabbit control operations will get underway from Tuesday 7 July, weather permitting, at several public sites across the district. Operations will take place at the Cromwell and Clyde cemeteries, as well as the Half Mile Recreation Reserve in Alexandra. The programme involves laying Pindone-laced carrot bait over a four-week period, with the overall operation expected to wrap up within around eight weeks.
Pindone carrot bait is used over winter, when natural food sources are scarcest and fewer young rabbits are around. The bait is dyed green so it's easily identifiable and will be laid by hand and quad bike by a contractor. All affected areas will be clearly signposted with warning notices.
"We appreciate people's patience while this work is underway. Now is the best window we have for rabbit control as it's typically highly effective during winter," says Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey.
Pindone is dangerous to humans and domestic animals, so we're asking people to follow some simple safety precautions around baited areas:
- Don't handle bait or rabbit carcasses
- Keep children supervised at all times
- Prevent dogs from accessing carcasses
- Don't eat animals from the area, or within 2km of it
Rabbit carcasses will be collected regularly to reduce the risk to pets and people.
Feral rabbits remain a well-known pest across Otago. Under the Otago Regional Council's Regional Pest Management Plan, all landowners are required to control rabbits to level 3 or below on the Modified McLean Scale (MMS 3).
For more on rabbit control and landowner responsibilities, visit Otago Regional Council's website: Rabbits | Otago Regional Council
