Bay of Plenty free of bovine TB

Bay of Plenty cattle and deer herds are free of bovine tuberculosis (TB) now that two previously infected properties have been cleared of the disease.

TBfree Bay of Plenty Committee Chairman Earle Wells thanks herd owners for their co-operation in helping to remove the disease from their properties.

"The two herd infections were cleared through an extensive testing regime. Wild animal surveys in the area also give us confidence that the infection was not wildlife-related," said Mr Wells.

"It does, however, highlight the need for herd owners to remain vigilant and protect their businesses from the potential ravages of TB. We need to look at New Zealand as one big farm, where herd owners continue to follow the correct procedures when moving stock.

"Bovine TB is known to be present in wildlife across 40 per cent of the country and possums continue to be the main source of the disease in farmed cattle and deer herds.

"Stock movements into the Bay of Plenty from these high risk areas still pose a very real threat. Herd owners receiving stock for grazing should be mindful of introducing TB into their own herd.

"In all cases, herd owners must rigorously check the disease status of stock entering their property. If the information on the Animal Status Declaration form is incomplete or not supplied, the animals should not be accepted.

"It's about making wise purchasing decisions to protect the reputation and value of our region's high-quality dairy, beef and deer exports.

"Hunters and herd owners must also continue to take care when disposing of animal carcasses. They should always burn or bury carcasses, or risk passing TB, if it is present, on to scavenging wildlife and other farmed cattle and deer," said Mr Wells.

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