Use of 1080 in other countries
A few other countries also use 1080. These include New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Israel, and very restricted use in the United States (sheep-coyote collars). 1080 is not approved in many other countries because of concerns regarding potential human, and other off-target, poisoning.
Safe use of 1080 through regulation
1080 use in Australia is closely regulated by Commonwealth (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) and State (Department of Health) government agencies. Supply of 1080 products is strictly regulated, and clear guidelines are provided to govern its use in all States.
In Western Australia, additional State regulations also apply via the Poisons Act 1964, the Poisons Regulations 1965, the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 1956, and the Code of Practice for the Safe Use and Management of 1080 in Western Australia. The Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 provides general regulation for the storage, handling and transportation of 1080, and 1080 products.
These restrictions mean that:
- 1080 is not readily available to the general public
- Authorisation is required before anyone can obtain 1080 baits.
- A Risk Assessment is undertaken before any authorisation is given.
- Training requirements are stipulated, and must be met.
- Reporting of incidents is mandatory.
This process is overseen by the Western Australian Department of Health.
Further reading
Department of Health, Western Australia, Code of practice on the safe use and management of 1080 in Western Australia.
King, DR (1990) 1080 and Australian fauna. Agriculture Protection Board Technical Series No 8, 27.
King, DR and Kinnear JK (1991) 1080: the toxic paradox. Landscope 6 (4), 14-19.
McLeod R (2004) Counting the Cost: Impact of Invasive Animals in Australia 2004. Cooperative Research Centre for Pest Animal Control, Canberra, Australia
Twigg, LE and King, DR (1991) The impact of fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation on native Australian fauna: A review. OIKOS 61, 412-430.