Thread: TB control in Molesworth

I have received a reply from OSPRI:

I am writing to update you on our TBfree aerial operations at Molesworth & Muller Stations this winter.
OSPRI’s TBfree programme is continuously reviewing operational effectiveness and seeking to reduce environmental impacts and we have completed trialling of aerial low sow baiting and deer repellent over approximately 70,000 total hectares at Bush Gully, Tarndale, Saxton and Severn blocks.
From recent findings of possum control trials undertaken by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, we have learned 100% of radio collared possums across all treatment areas were eradicated within 5 days of the aerial 1080 operation. The possum control work was timed to coincide with the start of winter to enable quicker detoxification of aerial 1080 baits.
This approach has proved to be successful and will support our long-term goal of reducing possum numbers to sustainable levels so that the cycle of wildlife TB infection in cattle herds at Molesworth will be broken.
Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research undertook deer repellent trials to investigate how OSPRI can minimise impacts on feral deer and reduce mortality rates following aerial pest control operations. Orillion bait incorporated with deer repellent (Prodeer) was spread across the entire treatment area and the results show that it has performed well in the Molesworth high country environment.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
· Possum kill: Possum control efficacy was high under all three baiting treatments. 100% collared possum mortality is reported to have happened within 5 days of the aerial operation commencing.
· Deer by-kill: In the Bush Gully & Tarndale blocks (standard 2kg/ha broadcast) 39 radio collared deer were confirmed present in the block at the time of the aerial operation. Of the 39, 2 deer died on the day of the aerial operation, indicating an estimated incidental by-kill of 5.1%
Researchers also observed 358 non-collared deer within the treatment area, 351 were alive, 7 dead.


Please find attached a copy of the MWLCR Prodeer research report
Let me know if you have any questions

Originally Posted by Tahr

I have received a reply from OSPRI:

I am writing to update you on our TBfree aerial operations at Molesworth & Muller Stations this winter.
OSPRI’s TBfree programme is continuously reviewing operational effectiveness and seeking to reduce environmental impacts and we have completed trialling of aerial low sow baiting and deer repellent over approximately 70,000 total hectares at Bush Gully, Tarndale, Saxton and Severn blocks.
From recent findings of possum control trials undertaken by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, we have learned 100% of radio collared possums across all treatment areas were eradicated within 5 days of the aerial 1080 operation. The possum control work was timed to coincide with the start of winter to enable quicker detoxification of aerial 1080 baits.
This approach has proved to be successful and will support our long-term goal of reducing possum numbers to sustainable levels so that the cycle of wildlife TB infection in cattle herds at Molesworth will be broken.
Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research undertook deer repellent trials to investigate how OSPRI can minimise impacts on feral deer and reduce mortality rates following aerial pest control operations. Orillion bait incorporated with deer repellent (Prodeer) was spread across the entire treatment area and the results show that it has performed well in the Molesworth high country environment.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
· Possum kill: Possum control efficacy was high under all three baiting treatments. 100% collared possum mortality is reported to have happened within 5 days of the aerial operation commencing.
· Deer by-kill: In the Bush Gully & Tarndale blocks (standard 2kg/ha broadcast) 39 radio collared deer were confirmed present in the block at the time of the aerial operation. Of the 39, 2 deer died on the day of the aerial operation, indicating an estimated incidental by-kill of 5.1%
Researchers also observed 358 non-collared deer within the treatment area, 351 were alive, 7 dead.


Please find attached a copy of the MWLCR Prodeer research report
Let me know if you have any questions

Hmmmm this is interesting info as i know a few guys that have seen more than 7 dead deer in there. and mostly stags

Originally Posted by burtonator

Hmmmm this is interesting info as i know a few guys that have seen more than 7 dead deer in there. and mostly stags

Could well be. I expect visual surveying is not an exact science. Good outcome never the less.