National Pest Management Plan for TB seeks feedback
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
THOUSANDS OF cattle and deer herds have had TB movement controls or testing requirements removed or scaled down thanks to the success of the TB-free New Zealand programme, says the Animal Health Board.
As of March 1, more than 3750 cattle and deer herds had requirements eased, a move made possible due to the success of focussing on TB-infected wild animal control, strict movement rules on infected herds, and extensive cattle and deer testing, says AHB’s national TB manager, Kevin Crews.
“The AHB is proud to again deliver some direct benefits to registered cattle and deer herds across the country. This is a reward for the dedication farmers have shown in supporting the TBfree New Zealand programme. We greatly appreciate their help and co-operation, without which this reduction would not have been possible.”
AHB is responsible for implementing the TBfree New Zealand programme which is working to eradicate bovine TB in New Zealand. Changes to movement restrictions will affect about 50 herds across Tasman, Marlborough and North Canterbury.
Around 3700 herds in the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Wanganui and Canterbury regions will also have testing frequencies reduced to either every one, two or three years. The changes affect an area of just under 1.3mha; about half the size of Waikato.
Golden Bay herdowner, John Harwood, has had his movement control restrictions removed and says he’s pleased to get on with the job of farming with fewer hassles when shifting stock.
“No longer needing to pre-movement test our animals before we shift or sell them is a huge relief. For many farmers, pre-movement TB testing is not only a hassle, but another on-farm cost.”
Herdowners can visit www.tbfree.org.nz/dcamap to check if they have been affected by the changes but will be notified when their next test is due.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.