Mount Roy aerial pest management operation on hold

Mount Roy aerial pest management operation on hold

The Mount Roy aerial possum control operation near Wanaka, carried out by OSPRI’s TBfree programme, is on hold due to ongoing unsuitable weather conditions.

OSPRI’s Southern South Island Programme Manager, Brent Rohloff, stated that the operation was due to take place in May, however unsettled weather patterns, high winds and subsequent snow storms have led to the operation being put on hold.

“While aerial operations can take place with snow present, the amount of snow now covering Mount Roy would impact on the overall success of the operation. We need to be confident that the operation will be a success in reducing the possum population so we only undertake operations when the weather conditions are perfect.”

The Mount Roy aerial operation is part of the TB eradication plan for the area, where OSPRI aims to reduce the number of possums to manageable levels to eradicate bovine TB. A decision on rescheduling the operation is yet to be made, however due to the popularity of the area it will not be undertaken during this calendar year.

All affected parties will be communicated with individually over the coming days, Rohloff said.

OSPRI is the management agency for TBfree New Zealand. The current TB Plan is under review and farmers are invited to make a submission. Visit www.tbplanreview.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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