ospri.co.nz 0800 482 463 TBfree is an OSPRI programme TB MANAGEMENT AREAS The TBfree programme aims to control and eventually eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand by 2055. We use possum control, along with regular herd testing and movement restrictions, to achieve this objective. Information gathered from wild animal surveys, recent and historic findings of TB in wild animals, herd testing results and the operational history of the region is used when planning operations. The TBfree programme is delivered through TB management areas (TMAs). These areas were created based on the likely or possible presence of TB in wildlife, similar habitat features, known disease patterns, geography and control history. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible. A TMA is made up of one or more Vector Control Zones (VCZs) within which possum control or wildlife survey operations may be carried out from year to year, depending on wild animals present, habitat, progress toward TB eradication and available funding. This notice provides an overview of TB control work planned for the Grey TMA. It is not a formal notice of any specific operation. All operation dates provided are provisional and subject to consultation. GREY The Grey TMA covers 99,224 ha east of Greymouth between the Taramakau and Grey Rivers. The area includes the Arnold Valley, Lake Brunner, Inchbonnie, Taramakau Valley and Moana Township. Public conservation areas include the Peter Ridge, Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Ranges. The habitat is narrow strips of farmland interspersed by moderate to high hills covered with nature podocarp bush and scrub areas. Altitudes range from sea level to 1200m on the Hohonu Range. ERADICATING BOVINE TB FROM GREY JULY 2018 | VERSION 2.0 TMA Boundary
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0800 482 463TBfree is an OSPRI programme
TB MANAGEMENT AREASThe TBfree programme aims to control and eventually eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand by 2055.
We use possum control, along with regular herd testing and movement restrictions, to achieve this objective. Information gathered from wild animal surveys, recent and historic findings of TB in wild animals, herd testing results and the operational history of the region is used when planning operations.
The TBfree programme is delivered through TB management areas (TMAs). These areas were created based on the likely or possible presence of TB in wildlife, similar habitat features, known disease patterns, geography and control history. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.
A TMA is made up of one or more Vector Control Zones (VCZs) within which possum control or wildlife survey operations may be carried out from year to year, depending on wild animals present, habitat, progress toward TB eradication and available funding.
This notice provides an overview of TB control work planned for the Grey TMA. It is not a formal notice of any specific operation. All operation dates
provided are provisional and subject to consultation.
GREYThe Grey TMA covers 99,224 ha east of Greymouth between the Taramakau and Grey Rivers. The area includes the Arnold Valley, Lake Brunner, Inchbonnie, Taramakau Valley and
Moana Township. Public conservation areas include the Peter Ridge, Mt Te Kinga and the Hohonu Ranges. The habitat is narrow strips of farmland interspersed by moderate to high hills covered with nature podocarp bush and scrub areas. Altitudes range from sea level to 1200m on the Hohonu Range.
ERADICATING BOVINE TB FROM GREY JULY 2018 | VERSION 2.0
GREY TB HISTORYThe Grey TMA has a long history of TB infection in both wildlife and livestock since the early-1980s. In 2007, TB possums were found behind Greymouth at Boddytown, and a TB pig was identified from the Hohonu Range in 2009/2010.
CONTROL HISTORYGround based possum control has been undertaken almost annually over the last 10 years in the Grey TMA. In 2017 and 2018, the Rotomanu Buffer ground control operation was completed.
Aerial possum control was previously undertaken in 2013 in the Kaiata South block over approximately 10,000 ha. In 2012, the Hohonu aerial over approximately 10,000 ha, the Marsden East aerial over approximately 10,000 ha and the Te Kinga aerial over approximately 5,000 ha were completed. In 2011, the Moana North aerial of around 10,000 ha was completed.
ERADICATION GOALSOSPRI’s main goals for TB control in the Grey area are:
• TB freedom in livestock by 2019
• TB freedom in possums and the Grey TMA by 2020.
These goals are ahead of the national objectives of TB freedom in livestock
by 2026, and TB freedom in possums by 2040. We aim to have eradicated TB from New Zealand by 2055.
TARGETING POSSUMSTo eradicate bovine TB from possum populations, possum numbers need to be kept extremely low – around one to two animals every ten hectares.
Previous possum control and livestock disease management has dramatically
reduced the number of infected herds in the West Coast/Tasman region. Monitoring is required to determine the need for any further possum control work in the Grey area to reduce the possum population, to minimise the risk of the disease spreading through wild animal populations and onto farmed cattle and deer and to ensure further good progress towards disease eradication.
PIG SURVEYBefore an area can be classed as TB-free, surveys are used to assess if TB is still present in wildlife. While possums are the main source of infection from wildlife it can be difficult and costly to detect TB in possum populations. Pigs are good indicators of TB in possums because they scavenge widely, so are likely to get TB from eating TB-infected possum carcasses. They can’t maintain TB within their own population, so if they are infected, it means it’s from another species. Pig survey results will help us to tell if TB is still in the area and whether further possum control work needs to be done.
OPERATIONAL TIMEFRAME Planned control and surveillance management activities are outlined in the table below.
TYPE OF CONTROL
WHEN?* HOW MANY HECTARES?
WHERE?
Ground Control 2018/2019 18,000 Kaiata Central, Marsden West, Rotomanu Buffer,
Rotomanu North
Pig Survey 2018/2019 36,700 Hohonu, Marsden East, Kaiata South
Ground Control 2019/2020 47,000 Arnold Valley, Bell Hill, Inchbonnie, Kaiata Central, Marsden West, Rotomanu
Buffer, Rotomanu North, Taramakau
Pig Survey 2019/2020 36,700 Hohonu, Marsden East, Kaiata South
Ground Control 2020/2021 47,000 Arnold Valley, Bell Hill, Inchbonnie, Kaiata Central, Marsden West, Rotomanu
Buffer, Rotomanu North, Taramakau
Hectares under control are indicative only and may change after consultation. * The operational year runs from 1 July – 30 June
CONSULTATIONOSPRI aims to ensure that communities, land occupiers and land users are notified of planned operations well in advance and have the opportunity to submit feedback about any possible risks or sensitive areas that need to be managed.
OSPRI will always seek the willing cooperation of land occupiers when TBfree programme work needs to be carried out on their land.
Before any operations begin, affected landowners and occupiers will be contacted and visited by one of our contractors. Depending on the methods used and the location of the operations, consents may be required from the Department of Conservation and Ministry of Health.
THE METHODGROUND CONTROLOur contractors will be using toxins and traps to carry out this possum control operation.
Different toxins are used depending on the size and terrain of the operational area. Toxins will either be placed in bait stations, stapled to trees in biodegradable bags or hand-laid. Contractors will consult with landowners on which toxin will be used to ensure the safety of livestock, pets and native animals.
There are many different types of traps, such as leg hold or kill traps.
In choosing the right one, we will take into consideration ease of access, set-up and maintenance time, animal welfare factors and the potential risks to livestock, pets and native animals.
On occasion our contractors may also use corflute chew cards or wax tags to identify possum populations where control is required.
PIG SURVEYOur contractors will collect wild pigs for disease surveillance, using one of three proven methods. . Pigs may be ground hunted, trapped or shot from helicopters for post-mortem examination. In some areas, a Judas Pig operation may be used: a wild pig, ear-tagged with a transmitter, will lead hunters to other pigs. A selection of those pigs can be shot and checked for the presence of TB. Another method, Sentinel Pig surveillance, involves releasing an ear-tagged, disease-free pig into an area to scavenge local wildlife that may be carrying TB. The pig is later recovered and examined to check for TB infection.
POSSUM POPULATION ASSSESSMENT Before control work is carried out an assessment of the wildlife population may be undertaken.
Following control work, the possum population density may also be monitored to assess the operation’s success. From the results, we’ll be able to tell if further possum control work needs to be done in the area.
TESTING HERDSCattle and deer herds are monitored for TB through a combination of herd testing and carcass inspection at slaughter. The frequency of testing depends on the herd’s location, management and TB history. To check the testing frequency for your property visit ospri.co.nz/dcamap
MOVEMENT CONTROLThe Grey TMA is in the West Coast Movement Control Area. As a result, TB testing is required for cattle and deer before they are moved to another herd or farm.
WHAT NEXT?Dates and control methods for the proposed operations are provisional and subject to consultation. OSPRI contractors will be in contact with affected landowners and occupiers before any work commences.
CONTACT DETAILSOSPRI Christchurch office PO Box 8674 Riccarton Christchurch 8440 P 03 363 3090 E [email protected] ospri.co.nz
