This month marks the release of a new environmentally responsible lethal control tool for the management of foxes and wild dogs – PAPPutty.
PAPPutty is a para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) toxin based paste which is applied to the jaws of a soft-jaw foot-hold trap via cloth wraps. When caught in a foot-hold trap, foxes and wild dogs tend to bite at the trap and thereby ingest the toxin applied to the cloth.
This dose of PAPP stops oxygen binding to haemoglobin in the blood, causing the animal to lose consciousness and die.
Developed by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Connovation in New Zealand, and Animal Control Technologies Australia (ACTA) to help manage fox and wild dog populations, PAPPutty is a humane control tool that reduces undue suffering to trapped foxes and dogs while protecting Australia’s biodiversity and agriculture from these predators.
However, as with any form of control, the use of PAPPutty is highly regulated. Similar conditions to other toxin control tools are applicable: users of PAPPutty must notify neighbours 72 hours before traps are put in the ground and must erect signage to alert visitors that PAPPutty is being used on the property.
Prospective users of PAPPutty should contact their relevant state/territory body to see when the product will be available for use in their area and what conditions have been applied to its use in their jurisdiction.
PAPPutty is a humane alternative to substances which have been applied to foot-hold traps in the past, including strychnine. The current APVMA permit for the use of strychnine impregnated cloths on foot-hold traps will expire on June 30th 2024. After this date the use of strychnine will not be approved.
