Vector Control Services
Vector Control Services provides biosecurity and vertebrate pest management services to protect New Zealand's primary industries sector and natural environment. Our experienced team deliver aerial control, ground control and animal surveillance operations across New Zealand. To find out more about VCS please contact info@vcs.net.nz
Aerial Control Operations
Buller South: Proposed timing: July- 2024. 19,730ha
Client: OSPRI
To control the spread of bovine TB, possum control work is needed in the Buller South area to reduce the possum population and minimise the risk of the disease spreading through wild animal populations and onto farmed cattle and deer. The Buller South aerial application of Sodium fluoroacetate [1080] in cereal pellet form will help achieve this and support ground control operations in the more accessible areas.
This operation is located approx. 20km south of Westport, along the Western side of the Buller South from 4 Mile Road in the south to the Buller Gorge in the north.
It encompasses the catchments of the Awakari River, the Little Totara River and several smaller creeks.
A small area of 1300ha using Prodeer repellent in the Madmans area is proposed.
This aerial will also provided benefit to native populations by control of possums (and rats).
Hohonu/Te Kinga combined: Proposed timing: August- 2024.
Hohonu: Client OSPRI. 13,800ha.
Te Kinga: Client Predator Free Te Kinga. 3800ha
The Te Kinga Predator Free Project and OSPRI are collaborating on predator control operations in the region in 2024. Working together mutually supports separate goals; OSPRI is a disease management agency working towards bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication, and Te Kinga’s project looks to protect our native species.
These operations will be an aerial application of Sodium fluoroacetate [1080] in cereal pellet form that will help achieve this and support ground control operations in the more accessible areas.
Hohonu Range is located some 35km Southeast of Greymouth, and includes Mt French and Mt Smart. The operation lies between the Kumara Inchbonnie Road and Taramakau River.
Mt Te Kinga is located 10km south of Moana and is adjacent to Lake Brunner/Moana. The Poerua River boarders the area to the east.
Landsborough Aerial Possum Control 2024 - This aerial was completed on 29th-30th January 2024
The Department of Conservation, as part of its Predator Control programme, is proposing to undertake control of rats, stoats and possums in the Landsborough area. This control will be in the form of an aerial application of Sodium fluoroacetate [1080] in cereal pellet form to approximately 33,672 hectares encompassing the Landsborough, Clarke and Macfarlane River Valleys. This area is considered as important for protection of Mohua/yellowhead and Kaka. Other threatened species within the forests are in some trouble, including the Kakariki, Pīwauwau/rock wren, and Pekapeka/bats. Scarlet mistletoe is under browse threat from possums. This work will enhance populations of these threatened species by reducing rat, stoat and possum populations.
Ground Control Operations
The Marsden West Ground Control Operation 2023/24
The Marsden West ground control operation is set to start approximately on the 1st of November 2023
Please treat this area with caution until the warning signs have been removed. Please read and comply with any warning signs present.
The Coastal Karamea Ground Control Operation 2023/24
The Coastal Karamea ground control operation is set to start approximately on the 29th of January 2024
Please treat this area with caution until the warning signs have been removed. Please read and comply with any warning signs present.
The Arnold Valley Ground Control Operation 2023/24
The Arnold Valley ground control operation is set to start approximately on the 10th of March 2024
Please treat this area with caution until the warning signs have been removed. Please read and comply with any warning signs present
The Grey Valley North Ground Control Operation 2023
The Grey Valley North ground control operation started in October 2023 and is underway.
Please treat this area with caution until the warning signs have been removed. Please read and comply with any warning signs present.