Feral Day Out

Wild dog, feral pig and fox control will be the topic of a Feral Animal Field Day held at the Glen Innes Showground from 9:30am to 3:30pm, on Friday 8th  February 2013.

Pest animals impact the whole community and cause significant losses to agriculture and the environment. Many farmers and graziers have viewed first-hand the result of a wild dog, fox or even a feral pig attack on livestock. Project Officer for the New England North West Pest Animal Management and Landholder Engagement project, Bec Ballard said all enterprises were affected by pest animals.

“People often think it is only sheep producers who suffer losses from pest animals but this is not the case. Although sheep produces suffer the most predatory losses there are significant impacts to other enterprises through the spread of weeds and disease, including Neosporacaninum, a parasite that causes abortion in cattle. There have been confirmed cases of Neosporaon a number of properties on the New England Tablelands”. 

Wild Dogs and foxes also spread a number of other diseases that infect livestock, pets and in some cases even people. These diseases include Mange, Canine distemper, Hydatid tapeworm and Encephalitis. There have been reports of an increase in Parvovirus cases throughout the New England North West area, a disease thatis also spread by foxes and wild dogs. Local LHPA District Vet Andrew Biddle will talk about these parasites and diseases at the event.

Local National Parks Pest Management Officer, Stuart Boyd-Law will demonstrate a range of pig control options including bait type and trap design. Contract Wild Dog Trapper, Mark Lamb, will be demonstrating the most effective use of sensor trail cameras and foot hold traps.

This field day will follow a similar format to events held in the North West region in 2012. These days were very well attended and landholders enjoyed the practical activities of the day.

For more information regarding the field day or to register contact GLENRAC on 02 67 323 443. Please RSVP by 1st February 2013 for catering purposes.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program and supported by the New England North West Landcare Networks, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Border Rivers Gwydir CMA, New England LHPA and North West LHPA.