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The Warrnambool City Council’s autumn fox baiting program is about to begin, with pet owners warned to keep their cats and dogs out of baited areas.
Fox baiting will take place from April 7 until May 2 in targeted areas, including Pickering Point, scrubland behind the skate park, selected sections of Lake Pertobe, and areas west of Thunder Point. Pets must remain away from these zones (where they are not already banned year-round) until at least May 30.
VIEW THE FOX BAITING LOCATION MAP
Warrnambool City Council CEO Andrew Mason said that baiting was an important method of fox control.
“With the success of the rabbit shooting program in the holiday parks in February and March, this is something we will look to continue going forward and potentially target our other main invasive species, European foxes,” he said.
“With that being the case, baiting is a key method of managing foxes, and we will continue to use a range of measures as appropriate.
“In South West Victoria, foxes are apex predators and it’s often our native species of small mammals and birds that they prey on.
“Each fox can kill hundreds of animals each year, so every fox we can remove from the environment is significant.”
Signs clearly marking baited areas will be displayed throughout the program, and pet owners in nearby properties have received a letter in the mail.
Bait will be carefully placed underground away from public pathways and monitored via GPS to ensure proper removal at the program's conclusion. The risk of secondary poisoning is considered extremely low.
The baits contain PAPP, a poison for which a veterinary-administered antidote is available if treatment is sought immediately.
"If you suspect your pet has entered a baited zone and they show symptoms such as lethargy, loss of coordination, or blue-tinged gums and tongue, take them directly to a vet," Mr Mason said.
"Prompt action is essential, as the antidote is most effective within the first hour after ingestion."
The antidote is stocked locally at:
• The Vet Group Wollaston: 59 Mortlake Road, Warrnambool - Phone: 5561 6911
• Warrnambool Veterinary Clinic: 514 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 0222
• Hampden Vet Clinic: 209 Lava Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5561 3852
Residents encountering fox carcasses on private property can request removal by contacting Council at 5559 4800.
