Eradicating TB from Rangitoto enhances biodiversity
TBfree New Zealand is working with environmental groups to stamp out pests in the Rangitoto Range to control bovine
tuberculosis (TB) and bring the birds back.
The Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto ranges make up a part of New Zealand’s 10 million hectare TB risk area in which
TB-infected wild animals have been found.
The objective of the national pest management plan is to eradicate the disease from at least 2.5 million hectares of the
country’s total TB risk area by 2026. TBfree New Zealand aims to eradicate the disease from the Rangitoto Range as part
of this plan.
Waikato TBfree Committee Chairman John Bubb has had first-hand experience with bovine TB and how it affects farmers’
livelihoods. In TB risk areas, possums cause the majority of new herd infections in farmed cattle and deer.
“To declare this area free of TB, wild animal surveys will be undertaken after the operation to check for the presence
or absence of the disease,” said Mr Bubb.
“We have achieved a great deal to date. Since 2011, 800,000 hectares of the country’s TB risk area has been declared
free of TB.”
The co-operation of farmers and landowners in testing their animals and allowing access to their land for TB control
operations is paramount in achieving freedom from the disease. The Rangitoto Range, along with the Hauhungaroa and
Hokonui ranges, are areas in which TBfree New Zealand is aiming to prove that the disease can be eradicated from
extensive forest areas.
“Effective pest control in our rugged bush protects our farmed livestock and valuable export markets. We cannot take our
foot off the pedal now, as we head down the path to eradicating this disease,” said Mr Bubb.
Native Forest Restoration Trust Reserves Manager Sharen Graham said the operation would follow up on previous aerial
control in the area to protect native birds and bush.
“This area is home to giant totara, rimu and kahikatea as well as native birds including tui, falcon, robins and kaka,
all of which are in danger of pest browsing and predation,” said Mrs Graham.
“The trust actively supports the upcoming aerial 1080 operation because the method has previously proven to leave the
ecosystem in a much richer state than when possums, rats and stoats are devouring native wildlife,” she said.
TBfree New Zealand Northern North Island Acting Programme Manager Robert Allen said hunters have also been widely
consulted on the operation.
“This led to an agreement to treat part of this high use recreational hunting area – not including Rangitoto Station –
with deer repellent coated 1080 pellets to reduce potential by-kill of deer,” said Mr Allen.
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