Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
The role will pass to a new limited-liability company TBfree New Zealand Ltd. The Animal Health Board (AHB) will resign its role as the management agency on June 30.
From July 1, 2013 TBfree New Zealand Ltd and National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Ltd will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of Operational Solutions for Primary Industries (OSPRI) New Zealand Ltd.
The Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has appointed TBfree New Zealand Ltd as the agency responsible for the National Bovine TB Pest Management plan, with effect from July 1, 2013.
"Bringing together what was formerly the Animal Health Board and NAIT Ltd will enable the more efficient and flexible delivery of the Bovine TB management plan and the NAIT scheme," says MPI director of preparedness and partnerships David Hayes.
"The revised corporate structure will deliver a range of outcomes to protect and enhance the primary sector. This new structure will leverage the competencies and expertise already developed within AHB and NAIT, and the strong partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
"It is envisaged that new strategies and services would be developed in areas such as pest and risk management, design and delivery of partnership programmes between Crown and industry, and the delivery of a combined 'farmer facing' contact centre and other outreach services," says Hayes.
