AgForce president Brent Finlay welcomed an announcement from Federal Agriculture minister Joe Ludwig the IACRC will receive almost $20 million to pursue research into the control of pest animals like wild dogs, foxes, rabbits, cats and pigs.

“This decision recognises the very important work done by the Invasive Animal CRC especially on wild dogs in Queensland,” Mr Finlay said.

In co-operation with AgForce, the CRC is transforming wild dog control across the state by encouraging a regional approach involving landholders and state and local government officers.

“The CRC is also doing some really exciting work on new control technologies based on toxins that are effective not only on wild dogs but also foxes and rabbits,” said Mr Finlay.

AgForce research from 2009 estimated wild dogs cost Queensland grazing industries $67 million annually with sheep, cattle and goat producers suffering livestock losses.

“The huge steps forward which have occurred from the small amount of wild dog research undertaken to date highlights the need for more investment to secure even bigger outcomes – that’s why we are so pleased to see continued funding for the CRC,” said Mr Finlay.

The Federal announcement means Local Wild Dog Committees across Queensland will continue to be supported by National Wild Dog facilitator, Greg Mifsud from Biosecurity Queensland who works tirelessly to help landholders to reduce livestock losses from wild dog predation.

AgForce also acknowledges the support of the Queensland government along with funding partners Australian Wool Innovation and Meat and Livestock Australia.

“It is only through collaborative research efforts of the type we are seeing for invasive animals that all land managers, both public and private, can ever hope to control and eradicate wild dogs not only in this state, but across the nation”.