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1080
Authors: Piers MaclarenPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2011, Issue N.Z.J.For. 56(3) 2011, pp 2, Nov 2011
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Here in Golden Bay, you can talk amicably about sex, religion or politics, but the one topic to steer clear of at a dinner party is 1080. Sodium monofluoroacetate. This chemical is aerially applied over large areas of indigenous bush to suppress possums, which are vectors of bovine TB and which destroy vulnerable vegetation and fledglings on their nests. On the one side, the outraged opponents of 1080 are an unlikely alliance of new-age chemophobes, dog owners, and hunters – especially pig hunters. On the other side, there is an equally unlikely coalition of bird lovers and farmers (cattle and deer), who are worried about TB in their herds and the threat this poses to their livelihoods.