The Animal Health Board says a new poison that has been approved as an alternative to 1080 gives authorities more options in how they control possum numbers.
The Environmental Protection Agency last week announced it was allowing a New Zealand company to import or manufacture zinc phosphide for use in ground operations.
The Animal Health Board says zinc phosphide will not replace 1080 because it has not been approved for aerial use, but it will become another tool for pest-control.
It says the poison should be less toxic to dogs and other domesticated animals than 1080.
The company which applied to introduce zinc phosphide, Connovation, says it will be three to four months at the earliest before it is available for use in the field.
