02 November 2011
Combined reports show progress in managing bovine TB
The Animal Health Board's (AHB) combined 2010/11 Annual Report and Annual Research Report reflects a year of significant
progress for the organisation.
The 2010/11 Annual Report highlights the benefits and achievements of New Zealand's bovine tuberculosis (TB) control
programme. It also shows the ongoing progress made in keeping infected herd numbers low and outlines the revised focus
on eradicating the disease.
The Annual Research Report details the development and implementation of new methods and processes that aim to make the
TBfree New Zealand programme more cost-effective and innovative. A particularly strong focus during this period has been
on identifying the risks and benefits that the AHB's vector control programme poses to non-target species and the
natural environment. Work in this area includes the development and analysis of current and potential methods of
control.
"It gives me great pleasure to report on what has been an exceptional year for protecting the country from bovine
tuberculosis (TB)," said Mr McCook.
The drop in infected herd numbers to around 80 in 2010/11 is the lowest recorded total since the TB control programme
was conceived.
Other milestones for the year include the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry's approval of the revised National Pest
Management Strategy and central government's decision to continue providing funding support for the management of bovine
TB.
"This support gives the AHB a mandate to continue to control and eventually eradicate the disease from some parts of New
Zealand," said Mr McCook.
"The eradication of TB, and demonstrating how this will be achieved in extensive bush areas, is a major feature of the
revised strategy."
The strategy aims to eradicate the disease from wildlife across 2.5 million hectares, or one quarter, of the area known
to be inhabited by TB-infected wildlife over the next 15 years. Removing TB from wild animal populations will eventually
lead to a reduction in the risk to cattle and deer herds, and less TB testing.
"Our focus will remain on delivering an effective programme of possum control, TB testing and livestock movement
restrictions," said Mr McCook.
"The support and commitment of farmers played a significant role in the success of the TB control programme over the
past year."
The AHB formed a proactive relationship with New Zealand Young Farmers in 2010/11 that included becoming the main
sponsor of its annual conference.
"The development of an ongoing partnership with New Zealand Young Farmers is one opportunity to inform the next
generation of herdowners about their TB testing requirements and the disease risks around movement and wildlife-related
infection," said Mr McCook.
Both reports are available on the AHB website www.ahb.org.nz
• Download Animal Health Board Annual Report 2010/11
ENDS