Media release
12 June 2013

Talking TB to farmers in Northland

Northland farmers were updated on the region’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) infected herds at a recent meeting organised by TBfree New Zealand.

TBfree New Zealand staff and contractors told about 80 herdowners that swift action has identified six further infected herds in the region.

The six herds have been linked to stock movements off an Awanui property which became infected late last year.

Routine tracing of all stock movements from the TB-infected herds is ongoing. The infected animals from all seven properties have been sent to slaughter.

Cattle over 12 months of age within a 10-15 kilometre radius of Kaitaia have been placed on an annual testing programme.

Cattle TB testing contractors are now working to identify any signs of the disease in other herds. Checks for TB also take place at meat processing plants.

As a precautionary measure, contractors will continue trapping wild animals in the area to check the disease is not present in wildlife populations, particularly possums.

The trapping and post mortem of wild animals has shown no indication that TB has spread to wildlife in Northland.

TBfree New Zealand appreciates the co-operation of farmers and landowners in allowing TB testing and wild animal control contractors’ access to their properties.

TBfree Northland Committee Chair Neil MacMillan said the herd infections are a sharp reminder that farmers cannot become complacent when buying and selling stock. 

“They must follow the correct requirements, or risk placing their livelihoods in danger through the possible spread of the disease. Farmers also need to ensure they register their herd with TBfree New Zealand,” said Mr MacMillan.

If you are in any doubt about an animal’s TB risk status, contact TBfree New Zealand on 0800 482 4636 for information about its movement history.

ENDS

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