It involved the aerial application of pellets, each containing 0.15% 1080, over 27,500 hectares in the eastern reaches of the park, including some adjacent and nearby private forest and farmland blocks west of the Motueka River.
It extended from the lower Wangapeka River in the south to just north of the Flora Saddle, including the eastern slopes of the Mount Arthur Range.
The operation supported annual ground-based control in the area using traps and hand-laid toxins.
The Conservation Department had also completed the Leslie aerial 1080 operation over an adjacent 20,000ha to the west of the Mount Arthur Range to control pests preying on native species.
This collaboration helped control TB-infected possums which were responsible for most new cattle and deer herd infections.
Hickson said operational warning signs had been put at all likely public access points to the area.
“The signs are there for a reason and we urge the public to adhere to the warnings. Please don’t take dogs into the area until the signs have been officially removed,” Hickson said.
“Dogs are extremely susceptible to 1080 poisoning from eating baits or scavenging possum carcases.
“They must be kept well clear of the operational areas. It will not be safe for your dog to re-enter the area until all signs have been removed.”
Anyone suspecting a dog might have ingested a toxin should take it to the nearest veterinarian immediately. All local vets were aware possum control had taken place in the area and what methods were used.
Ground-based control work, supported by aerial operations, protected the $500 million contribution pastoral production made to the Tasman economy each year.
Possum control operations also benefited the region’s native birds and forest which were extremely vulnerable to introduced predators, such as possums, stoats and rats, Hickson said.
