East Taupo water tests clear for 1080

East Taupo water tests clear for 1080

Water samples taken following the East Taupo aerial bovine tuberculosis (TB) control operation have all tested clear for 1080.

“The Animal Health Board (AHB) is pleased to report that no 1080 residues were detected in the samples,” said Frank Pavitt, AHB Northern North Island Regional Co-ordinator.

“The testing was undertaken independently to meet Ministry of Health consent conditions and reassure local iwi and landowners that the exclusion zone measures worked effectively.

“The samples were taken from within the operational area, 24 hours after the completion of the aerial operation.

“The results come as no surprise as appropriate exclusion zones around sensitive areas are a part of the AHB’s operational protocol.

“Specific handling and testing protocols were followed to protect the integrity of each sample. They were collected by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric (NIWA) Research and delivered to the Landcare Research laboratory in Lincoln, where each sample was cleared of containing 1080 residues.

“The use of advanced GPS technology ensures our contractors follow extremely accurate flight paths that identify precise exclusion zones.

“The combination of aerial and ground-based possum control is a vital part of the AHB’s strategy for managing TB, along with stock movement control and in-herd disease management.

“We extend our thanks to landowners in the operational area for their co-operation and willingness to help protect the region’s agricultural sector from the threat of TB,” Mr Pavitt said.

ENDS

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