New livestock movement restrictions are being introduced in a part of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.

The new ‘movement control area’ covers Tarras, Lindis Valley, the upper Manuherekia and the top end of Ida Valley. It comes into effect on October 1.

Disease eradication agency OSPRI has sent advice on the new movement controls to all farms or lifestyle blocks with deer or cattle in the affected area, about 110 properties.

Being in a movement control area means all cattle and deer over three months old must be TB tested within 60 days of being moved. Only animals going directly to slaughter do not require a test.

Otago’s OSPRI farmer committee chair, Vanessa Hore, is encouraging all farmers to take the time to read the information provided and understand the risks.

"I know some farmers will find it challenging operating their businesses under these conditions, but most of us are familiar with farming in a Movement Control Area.

"There is nothing simple about fighting bovine TB, and the possums that carry it; so we have to do, what we have to do.

"Restricting movement of animals in this area is a precautionary measure, we need to limit the potential opportunities for the disease to spread to other areas," Vanessa says.

There are 15 herds infected with bovine TB in New Zealand, a third of these are in the Otago region, where the disease is known to be circulating in wildlife.

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