Community groups to help control bovine TB

Media release
16 May 2011

Community groups to help control bovine TB

The Animal Health Board (AHB) is looking to work with community groups interested in monitoring possum traps and bait stations across 2500 hectares south of Wairakei.

AHB Northern North Island Programme Manager Brent Webster said the planned bovine tuberculosis (TB) ground control operation would take place along the Kawakawa Bay and W2K tracks. It would also include an area of bush from Acacia Bay to Kinloch.

“After extensive consultation, we have opted for a ground-based operation and will involve the local community in controlling TB around this widely-used stretch of land,” said Mr Webster.

Bike Taupo spokesman Pete Masters said the ground-based programme is a positive initiative. “It will minimise the impact of possum control work on recreational users of the Kawakawa Bay and W2K tracks,” said Mr Masters.

Bike Taupo will work with the AHB to allow its contractors access to the W2K track to undertake work in the area. The track is frequented by many members of the public and other interest groups.

The AHB is in the process of seeking out potential community groups to help with this ongoing voluntary ground control work.

Mr Webster said aerial TB control would still be utilised over a larger tract of surrounding land. The vast majority of this area is unsuited to ground control methods and will be treated by helicopter with biodegradable sodium fluoroacetate.

“Ground-based control using traps and toxins is only feasible around the Kawakawa Bay and W2K tracks as well as the Acacia Bay to Kinloch area,” said Mr Webster.

“After careful assessment, we have concluded that ground control would not compromise our ability to manage and eventually eradicate TB in this area,” he said.

The initial ground control operation would be undertaken by AHB contractors who will leave bait stations in place for ongoing community-based work.

The ground and aerial TB control programme is scheduled to begin in June/July this year, depending on the weather. Once completed, the AHB will continue to monitor the wildlife population for any sign of the disease.

Possums are the main source of TB in farmed cattle and deer. Keeping possum numbers at low levels will prevent the spread of the disease and protect the value of Taupo’s dairy, beef and deer products. TB control also provides recognised biodiversity benefits for native plants and birds.

Local community groups seeking more information on the upcoming ground control operation should contact the AHB’s Hamilton office on 07 849 8913.

ENDS

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