Eradicating TB from the Hauhungaroa Range

Eradicating TB from the Hauhungaroa Range

May 19, 2011 - The Animal Health Board (AHB) will begin aerial bovine tuberculosis (TB) control in the Hauhungaroa Range this week. This control work is weather dependent and follows the recent application of non-toxic cereal pellets to attract possums to the toxic bait.

The Hauhungaroa Range aerial operation is the first of several targeted areas across New Zealand, where the AHB will endeavour to eradicate TB from wildlife, mainly possums, over the next 15 years.

This is an objective of the AHB’s revised national TB control strategy, which aims to eradicate the disease from herds and wildlife across 2.5 million hectares of New Zealand known to contain TB-infected wildlife.

AHB Northern North Island Regional Co-ordinator Frank Pavitt said the TB control programme has made significant gains in the area, with infected herd numbers dropping to historic lows.

“But possums continue to maintain the disease in their population and spread it to farmed cattle and deer,” said Mr Pavitt.

“Eradicating this source of the disease in the Hauhungaroa Range will help protect access to high-value overseas markets for our beef, dairy and deer products,” he said.

Aerial control methods, using biodegradable sodium fluoroacetate (1080), and ground-based techniques will be employed. The aim of the operation is to break the disease cycle within wildlife in the Hauhungaroa Range.

“Ongoing control work has greatly reduced possum densities in the Hauhungaroa Range. The challenge now is to keep their numbers low to prevent the disease from spreading and ensure TB is eradicated,” said Mr Pavitt.

“Possum and other wildlife control also provide recognised biodiversity benefits for native plants and birds. In this case, we are working with the Department of Conservation in the Tihoi area to protect the blue duck (whio) as well as native flora and fauna.

“Annual herd TB testing is expected to continue in the area immediately next to the operation to detect any possible spread of the disease and support this control work. A reduction in testing requirements may be recommended over time as we steadily remove TB from the area,” said Mr Pavitt.

Consultation has been undertaken to ensure all landowners are aware of the AHB’s programme. Warning signs will be erected at each main entrance point to the operational area. The public are strongly urged to take notice of the requirements on the signs and keep dogs well away from the operational area until all warning signs have been officially removed.

ENDS