Tb free advances will flow from Government commitment

6 December 2010

Tb free advances will flow from Government commitment

Federated Farmers is applauding the Government's decision, to confirm its $30 million annual support for the management of bovine tuberculosis (Tb) until 2015.

"Bovine Tb management carries a large public good in respect of areas such as the DoC estate," says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers pest animal management spokesperson.

"While Tb is carried in a range of animals the main vector remains the opossum.

"The eradication of Tb from our Vector Risk Areas is a boon for the economy in respect of our dairy, meat and fibre farmers.

"So next time you take a stroll in New Zealand's special bush areas, just remember that the eradication of opossums and other animals for Tb control, has greatly aided our native fauna and flora.

"Not to mention why tourists come to New Zealand.

"The way bovine Tb control is managed by the Animal Health Board (AHB), Government, farmers and local authorities, has been an effective model of joined up private-public partnerships.

"The but is that Federated Farmers with the AHB, has had to work very hard to ensure that regional councils continue to collect and pay a regional share in relation to the national pest management strategy.

"The real benefits of bovine Tb management go much wider than just down on the farm," Donald Aubrey concluded.

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