| Everyone must ensure the use of the most humane method available to control declared vertebrate pest species, particularly when using 1080 and strychnine products. |
Foxes, wild dogs, feral pigs, rabbits and emus are declared under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. 1080 and strychnine are restricted chemical products and the most common active ingredients in vertebrate pest bait and poison products in WA. 1080 and strychnine are Schedule 7 poisons under the Poisons Act and also class 6 toxic substances under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act.
In Western Australia, the use and supply of 1080 (sodium fluoracetate) and strychnine to control foxes, wild dogs, feral pigs, rabbits and emus are bound by the Code of practice for the safe use and management of 1080, PAPP and strychnine. These products are only available after a baiting permit is granted by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia to authorised suppliers and users (including Licensed Pest Management Technicians) who are trained to handle, store and use it safely.
- Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) - In WA its use and supply are bound by the Code of practice for the safe use and management of 1080, PAPP and Strychnine in Western Australia. Information on how to use and dispose of 1080 products is available from the 1080 landholders information page.
- PAPP - In WA, PAPP is only registered for the control of wild dogs and foxes. Its use and supply is bound by the Code of practice for the safe use and management of 1080, PAPP and Strychnine in Western Australia.
- Strychnine - In WA, strychnine is only registered for the control of wild dogs and emus. Its use and supply are bound by the Code of practice for the safe use and management of 1080, PAPP and Strychnine in Western Australia.
It is an offence to use these products without DAFWA approval or for any purpose contrary to the Directions for use supplied by the product.
An environmentally responsible option
1080 is a naturally-occurring toxin found in more than 30 species of native Australian plants. It is safe in the environment, as it dilutes into harmless compounds in water and gets eaten by the bacteria in the soil.
Many of Australia’s native wildlife have a natural tolerance to 1080, unlike introduced species. That is why 1080 is used for invasive species control and is considered the most environmentally responsible option currently available.
Watch this animation, produced by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, to learn more.
Product manufacturers and lay rates
Information on 1080 and strychnine registered bait products and the rates to be laid are described in the document: Rates of lay for 1080, PAPP and Strychnine products.
For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, see the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia.