Thursday, 10 September 2015 15:31

TB infected at record low

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Testing cattle for TB.

The number of bovine tuberculosis (TB) infected herds has dropped below 40 for the first time in the history of New Zealand’s TBfree programme.

According to figures released by OSPRI this week, an all-time low of 36 herds were infected with bovine TB (34 cattle and two deer herds).

“Reaching this milestone is a credit to farmers and the industry and Government organisations that are shareholders and investors in the TBfree programme and is a big step towards New Zealand becoming TB-free,” says OSPRI chief executive, Michelle Edge.

However, Edge says, while this is a significant milestone, it is important to remain vigilant and focus on managing numbers of infected herds during the season where finishing stock heading to the processing works.

The TBfree programme has recently undergone an independent review, including scientific modelling, a review of operational outcomes and a full public consultation process. The Plan Governance Group comprising industry shareholders and independent chair, Chris Kelly, facilitated the process. A final proposal is due to be presented to the Minister of Primary Industries for review and approval by the end of September.

OSPRI say in their role as the appointed management agency, they will implement the outcomes of the review and continue working towards eradicating TB from livestock by 2026 and from wildlife by 2055.

Currently the main aim of the TB programme is to eradicate TB from possums and other wildlife across 2.5 million hectares of New Zealand’s at-risk areas by 2026. The review of the national TB Plan found that OSPRI’s TBfree programme is well ahead of its targets with more than 1.2 million hectares already eradicated. The programme’s ‘proof of concept’ areas have demonstrated that the disease can successfully be eradicated.

"There’s still a lot of work to be done but we’re excited about the direction that the Plan review is moving with the goal of achieving eradication more quickly and at a lower cost,” says Edge.

“This is good news for industry and provides further proof of New Zealand’s animal health status for international trading partners.”

Consultation on the review closed on 31 July after a large number of submissions and significant feedback from workshops around the country.

Further details of the review and a wide range of supporting information can be found at www.tbplanreview.co.nz.

More like this

TB testing in-house

OSPRI will carry out on-farm TB testing, following AsureQuality's decision not to renew their contract.

Snail mail

OPINION: About as productive as a politician's taxpayer-funded trip to Hawaii, as cost-effective as an OSPRI IT project, and as smart as the power-company pylon worker, the Hound gives you the NZ Post business strategy:

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.

OSPRI writes off $17m over botched traceability system

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has written off nearly $17 million after a botched attempt to launch a new integrated animal disease management and traceability system.

Ospri donation for Rural Support Trust

Disease management agency OSPRI is throwing its support behind the Rural Support Trust.

Featured

Wilmar hands over US$725m ‘court security’ in Indo graft case

Reuters reports that giant food company Wilmar Group has announced it had handed over 11.8 trillion rupiah (US$725 million) to Indonesia's Attorney General's Office as a "security deposit" in relation to a case in court about alleged misconduct in obtaining palm oil export permits.

DairyNZ celebrates 60 years of economic survey tracking dairy sector evolution

DairyNZ is celebrating 60 years of the Economic Survey, reflecting on the evolution of New Zealand's dairy sector over time.

ASB launches new loan to help NZ farmers switch to solar power

As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.

Citrus NZ urges Kiwis to support local growers

There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.

NZ avocado growers report mixed season amid weather challenges

Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.

Dr John Roche calls for renewed focus on science careers for youth

It's time to start talking up science again, especially as a career for young people. That's one of the key messages from the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, Dr John Roche.