Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
As of March 1, more than 3750 cattle and deer herds had requirements eased, a move made possible due to the success of focussing on TB-infected wild animal control, strict movement rules on infected herds, and extensive cattle and deer testing, says AHB’s national TB manager, Kevin Crews.
“The AHB is proud to again deliver some direct benefits to registered cattle and deer herds across the country. This is a reward for the dedication farmers have shown in supporting the TBfree New Zealand programme. We greatly appreciate their help and co-operation, without which this reduction would not have been possible.”
AHB is responsible for implementing the TBfree New Zealand programme which is working to eradicate bovine TB in New Zealand. Changes to movement restrictions will affect about 50 herds across Tasman, Marlborough and North Canterbury.
Around 3700 herds in the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Wanganui and Canterbury regions will also have testing frequencies reduced to either every one, two or three years. The changes affect an area of just under 1.3mha; about half the size of Waikato.
Golden Bay herdowner, John Harwood, has had his movement control restrictions removed and says he’s pleased to get on with the job of farming with fewer hassles when shifting stock.
“No longer needing to pre-movement test our animals before we shift or sell them is a huge relief. For many farmers, pre-movement TB testing is not only a hassle, but another on-farm cost.”
Herdowners can visit www.tbfree.org.nz/dcamap to check if they have been affected by the changes but will be notified when their next test is due.
