From late July, Central Otago District Council will be carrying out rabbit control operations at the Cromwell Cemetery, Clyde Cemetery and Half Mile Recreation Reserve in Alexandra.
Carrot bait laced with the toxin Pindone will be laid over a period of four weeks (weather dependent) to control rabbits in the target areas. The operation will conclude approximately eight weeks from the start date.
Pindone carrot is used in winter, as this is when food sources are most scarce and fewer young rabbits are present. Baiting is 80 to 90 percent effective.
The carrots will be dyed green so members of the public can easily identify and avoid them. The bait will be laid by hand and quad bike by a contractor.
Appropriate signage will be erected on each of the sites advising users of the rabbit control programme underway.
Feral rabbits are a well-known pest in Otago. All landowners must control rabbits to level 3 or below on the Modified McLean Scale (MMS 3) in accordance with the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Regional Pest Management Plan.
The Council is aware that users of these spaces may be inconvenienced for the control period, but the benefits of having less rabbits will allow future native plantings to become established.
Pindone is dangerous to humans and domestic animals. Always remember:
- DO NOT handle the BAIT (OR CARCASSES)
- WATCH CHILDREN at all times
- DO NOT EAT animals from the area or within 2km of the area
- DO NOT allow DOGS access to animal carcasses
Rabbit carcases will be collected on a regular basis.
For more information on the rules and rabbit control go to www.orc.govt.nz/rabbits
UPDATE: In addition to Cromwell Cemetery, Clyde Cemetery and Half Mile Recreation Reserve, the Council is also carrying out rabbit control on a block at Mutton Town Road in the same period i.e. third week of July.
It is the corner block of the Clyde – Alexandra Road and Mutton Town Road (see image below - and please note the caution regarding dogs to keep them out of these areas while the operation is underway).
