Bovine TB infection contained in central North Island
Positive steps have been taken to control a bovine tuberculosis (TB) infection in the Mangakino area that has affected
several herds run as part of the same business.
NAIT and LIC data has allowed OSPRI’s TBfree veterinarians to trace any stock that have been moved off the infected
properties and these animals will be TB tested to avoid the disease spreading.
All immediate neighbours of the infected herds have been informed and reassured that the disease is well contained and
there is negligible risk of it spreading ‘over the fence’.
Bovine TB is spread through close contact between animals. The disease is not transmitted by gumboots or tractor and
truck tyres.
TBfree Waikato Committee Chair John Bubb said having bovine TB in your herd can cause extreme emotional and financial
stress for the affected farmer.
“They need support to help them through this difficult time. There are various avenues available to farmers with a
TB-infected herd, including their local TBfree committee member who is likely to have experienced the effects of the
disease first-hand, Rural Support Trusts and TBfree staff,” said Mr Bubb.
“Importantly, the farmer needs the support of their neighbours and local community. There remains an unfortunate stigma
attached to herd TB infections. This can be addressed by keeping neighbours informed of the situation and organising
events such as shed meetings.”
As the number of infected herds has dropped from about 1700 in the mid-1990s to 51 today, the awareness of bovine TB in
New Zealand has declined.
“Educating farmers about the risk of TB is vital towards keeping infected herd numbers under control. Nearly 10 million
hectares of New Zealand is known to contain TB-infected wild animals, with possums being the main source of the disease
in these areas,” said Mr Bubb.
Stock movement-related infections are a potential cause of the disease spreading. This can be kept in check by ensuring
farmers play their part in controlling the disease.
“You must make wise stock purchasing decisions and ensure all animals are accompanied by a correctly filled out Animal
Status Declaration form before they are allowed onto your farm. All animal movements, including farm to farm movements,
must be recorded in the NAIT system to ensure lifetime traceability.
The infected herds are currently subject to a Restricted Place Notice, meaning they cannot be shifted off farm unless
going straight to slaughter or issued with an official permit to move.
OSPRI helps protect and enhance the reputation of New Zealand’s primary industries. It currently runs the National
Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) and TBfree programmes.
-ends-