Target specificity
The target specificity of 1080 baits is enhanced by the increased tolerance to 1080 of many of WA’s native fauna. However, the specificity of any poison bait, including 1080 products, is determined by a number factors including the sensitivity of target and non-target species to the active ingredient, the body mass of non-target animals relative to that of the target-species, the bait medium used, the hardness of the bait and where the toxin is located, whether non-target animals are exposed to the toxic baits or poisoned animals and, if so, whether these are acceptable food items, and the timing of baiting programs.
Properly conducted baiting programs (i.e. in accordance with the label directions) provide safe and effective control options. Shallow burial of baits under ground litter, or the tethering of baits, can further reduce potential risks to non-target species.
Amounts of 1080 used in New Zealand and Australia
New Zealand is the greatest user of 1080 concentrate, using up to four tonnes of powder per year. In contrast, only around 200 kg of 1080 powder are used in Australian pest control programs each year. 1080 baits have been used in New Zealand since the 1950s, primarily for aerial baiting of possums introduced from eastern Australia, and for the control of rabbits. Possum control is aimed at protecting biodiversity and helps to reduce the spread of bovine Tb. New Zealand sowing rates for aerial operations are 3–5 kg/ha, which equates to 4.5–7.5 g 1080/ha. This compares to around 0.00015 g 1080/ha for many fox baiting programs in Western Australia. Interestingly, areas with fluoroacetate-bearing plants can have up to 550 g of fluoroacetate per ha and yet, due to its degradation by microbes, fluoroacetate does not persist in these environments.