Taranaki farmers face uncertain outlook despite grass growth after drought
The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there is far from rosy.
Four infected herds are being carefully monitored, one close to Opunake and three near Inglewood.
Farmers should feel reassured that the TBfree New Zealand programme is working hard to keep on top of the situation, it says. The aim is to contain the outbreak through the use of stock movement restrictions and on-farm management plans.
All stock movements on to, and off, the infected properties are being investigated to help establish the source of the disease and reduce the potential risk of TB spreading. Livestock cannot currently be moved off the four infected properties without an official permit.
Herds in a defined area near these infected properties will soon be TB tested more often, and localised pest control will be undertaken to ensure the disease is not present in wild animal populations. All infected livestock will be culled and tested to find out which strain of TB they were carrying, helping to give a clearer picture of where the source of the infection may have originated.
Once the extent and cause of the TB outbreak is fully assessed and planning for on-going control of the disease is complete, TBfree New Zealand will organise community meetings to update farmers on the situation in Inglewood and Opunake.
TBfree New Zealand's Northern and Central North Island regional coordinator Frank Pavitt believes the herd infections are a stark reminder that the disease is still present in the region.
"The large amount of dairy stock being shifted around Taranaki creates a potential TB risk for farmers. They simply cannot afford to place their livelihoods in jeopardy through the possible spread of the disease," says Pavitt.
Meanwhile, the TBfree New Zealand programme has cleared one Taranaki property of the disease.
"This shows that the robust methods used to control TB are extremely sound. Taranaki is no stranger to the disease and has experienced several outbreaks since 2006. Each has been dealt with by following well-planned procedures and processes," says Pavitt.
If farmers are in any doubt about an animal's TB risk, or Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form, contact TBfree New Zealand on 0800 482 4636 for further information about its movement history.
