The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application for a possible alternative to 1080 for ground-based control of possums.
Research and development company Connovation Ltd has applied to the Environmental Risk Management Authority to import and manufacture encapsulated sodium nitrate as a ground-laid poison, saying it could be a stepping stone towards the replacement of 1080.
Research director Charlie Eason says there is a huge need for a more effective control of pests such as possums.
Professor Eason has been investigating sodium nitrite as an alternative for the past three years and says it is more humane, as it kills possums in about 90 minutes as opposed to 1080 which can take up to 10 hours.
He says sodium nitrite poses less of a risk of secondary poisoning of dogs and will also be coloured green to discourage birds.
An antidote would be available for cases of accidental poisoning and it is also a far more humane option for possums, he says.
Submissions to ERMA close on 17 December.
