ERADICATING BOVINE TB FROM OUTRAM MAY 2019 | VERSION 2.0

The TBfree programme is delivered This TMA previously served as a buffer OVERVIEW through TB management areas (TMAs). to the spread of wildlife infection to The TBfree programme is delivered Each TMA has a specific TB control plan Peninsula. through TB Management areas (TMAs) designed to eradicate TB as effectively and aims to control, and eventually as possible. eradicate, bovine tuberculosis (TB) OUTRAM This notice provides an overview from New Zealand by 2055. OSPRI’s of TB control work planned for this MAUNGATUA main goals for TB control in the Outram TMA. It is not a formal notice of any The Outram Maungatua TMA covering Maungatua area are for TB freedom in specific operation. All operation dates 34,900 ha extends from south of livestock and possums by 2035. provided are provisional and subject city to the northern shores The programme uses possum control, to consultation. of Lake . It includes part of regular herd testing and movement the Taieri Plains and extends up and restrictions to control TB. When over Maungatua in the west. With the planning for operations wild animal TB HISTORY low-lying farmland of the plains, the surveys, TB history, herd testing The Outram Maungatua TMA has a long scrubby faces of Maungatua and higher results and past operation history history with TB infection. Both wildlife and altitude farming towards Lee Stream, this are all used to determine the level cattle herds have been frequently infected TMA holds varied possum habitat and of control required to eradicate TB. since TB was established in the 1980’s. some places that are difficult to access.

OPERATIONAL TIMEFRAME Planned control and surveillance management activities are outlined in the table below.

TYPE OF HOW MANY CONTROL WHEN?* HECTARES? WHERE?

Ground control 2019/2020 1,300 Maungatua

Hectares under control are indicative only and may change after consultation. * The operational year runs from 1 July – 30 June TMA Location

TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz 0800 482 463 2019/20 OPERATIONS

TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz 0800 482 463 ROAD TO TB ERADICATION

TESTING WILDLIFE We check the wildlife to see if TB is present in an area.

POSSUM CONTROL – YEAR ONE Possums spread TB. Getting numbers low will help stop TB.

KEEPING POSSUM NUMBERS LOW It’s really important to keep possum numbers low over multiple years to break the TB cycle.

TESTING WILDLIFE We test wildlife to check if TB still exists. The animals will be checked for signs of TB. Samples may be grown in a laboratory. If TB is found, Previous wildlife control and livestock you will be told by TBfree. CONTROL HISTORY disease management has dramatically Ground based possum control has reduced the number of infected herds previously been undertaken throughout in the Outram Maungatua TMA. TB ERADICATED all this TMA. The most recent control was undertaken during 2016/2017 in the Maungatua, and Outram Horsehoof THE METHOD blocks. Previously was controlled GROUND CONTROL during the 2013/2014 year. OSPRI contractors will use toxins and traps to carry out this possum POSSUM control operation. POPULATION Different toxins are used depending on ASSESSMENT the size and terrain of the operational area. Toxins will either be placed in bait Before control work is carried out an stations, stapled to trees in biodegradable assessment of the wildlife population bags or hand-laid. Contractors will consult maybe be undertaken. with landowners on which toxin will be Following control work, the possum used to ensure the safety of livestock, population density may also be pets and native animals. monitored to assess the operation’s success. From the results, we’ll be able There are many different types of to tell if further possum control work traps, such as leg-hold or kill traps. needs to be done in the area. In choosing the right one, we will take into consideration ease of access, set-up and maintenance time, animal TARGETING welfare factors and the potential risks POSSUMS to livestock, pets and native animals. To eradicate bovine TB from possum On occasion our contractors may also populations, possum numbers need to use corflute chew cards or wax tags be kept extremely low – around one to to identify possum populations where two animals every ten hectares. control is required.

TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz 0800 482 463 CONSULTATION TESTING HERDS OSPRI listens to feedback from Cattle and deer herds are monitored communities, land occupiers and for TB through a combination of herd land users about proposed operations testing and carcass inspection at and notifies planned operations well slaughter. The frequency of testing CONTACT in advance so affected parties can depends on the herd’s location, submit feedback about any possible management and TB history. DETAILS risks or sensitive areas that need to To check the testing frequency for OSPRI Dunedin office be managed. your property visit ospri.co.nz/dcamap OSPRI will always seek the willing PO Box 5745 cooperation of land occupiers when MOVEMENT Moray Place TBfree programme work needs to be Dunedin 9058 carried out on their land. CONTROL P 03 477 9829 The Outram Maungatua TMA is in Before any operation begins, affected E [email protected] the Southern Movement landowners and occupiers will be Control Area. That means TB testing is contacted and visited by one of our The eradication activities in this required for cattle and deer before they contractors. Depending on the methods TMA are delivered by specialist are moved to another herd or farm. used and the location of the operations, wildlife and pest control Contractors consents may be required from the employed by OSPRI. The contact Department of Conservation and ACHIEVEMENTS details for the contractor delivering Ministry of Health. TO DATE are below. OSPRI has made significant progress Contract Wild Animal WHAT NEXT? towards eradicating TB from vector Control NZ LTD Dates and control methods for the risk areas (VRA) across New Zealand. P 0800 292 269 proposed operations are provisional Since 2011, VRA status has been and subject to consultation. OSPRI revoked from 2.02 million hectares, E [email protected] contractors will be in contact with with 7.78 million hectares in 14 areas affected landowners and occupiers still to be cleared before freedom from before any work starts. disease in wildlife can be declared.

TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz 0800 482 463