2026 Molesworth-Severn Aerial

Region:  Marlborough District, South Island

Area:  ~2,027 hectares

Client:  TBfree – an OSPRI programme

Reason for the Operation:  Targeting possums for bovine TB control.

Planned commencement date:  Prefeed application to commence from 1 May 2026, subject to suitable weather conditions.

Control methodology:  The operation will begin with the application of non-toxic prefeed bait by helicopter.  One to two weeks later, toxic baits, each containing 0.15% sodium fluoroacetate (also known as 1080), will be applied by helicopter at a rate of 1kg per hectare.  Prefeed and toxic bait will contain deer repellent, to deter non-target consumption. 

Download fact sheet:  Molesworth-Severn TB possum control

Download map:  Proposed boundary for aerial 1080 control (subject to consultation)