The Impact of Vertebrate Pests on Animal Production Particularly in New South Wales

Of the many factors which affect animal production, wildlife is one of the few which has rarely been considered by the Australian Society of Animal Production. A variety of non-domesticated mammals are closely associated with the livestock industries and those which cause production losses are referred to as vertebrate pests in this contract. In some States this definition is carried further by the legislative declaration of pest status. For example, in N.S.W. rabbits, feral pigs and wild dogs are proclaimed as Noxious Animals under the Pastures Protection Act, 1934 and the legislation requires landholders to thoroughly suppress and destroy them at all times. Similar laws apply in other States.