TBFree NZ and OSPRI
Notes from TBFree NZ/GW briefing to the WRCA committee
• The national Bovine TB Plan (BTB) must be reviewed every 5 years.
• There are 35 infected herds in NZ, with 6-7 in the North Island.
• The aim is to eradicate BTB from NZ with no infected herds by 2026 and no bacterium by 2055.
• The current plan is before the Minister, Nathan Guy, at the moment.
• Budget is $60 million per year which includes communication, control and testing.
• TBfree is moving into areas not previously covered, e.g. rugged terrain (including our area).
• All the Wairarapa up to Mt Bruce has been covered for possum control.
• TBfree came in with a blank sheet. Has contracted GW to do the survey of properties/landowners before coming to a decision on what methods are
appropriate.
• Not all areas are suitable for aerial control, e.g. river valleys, stock grazing, rivers.
• Water intake areas are not used until tests show that 1080 has broken down.
• Bait only needs to be on the ground for 2 days prior to rain.
• 1080 stays in the ground for weeks rather than months.
• Most danger is for dogs – 1 pellet will kill.
• Distribution works out at 2kg per hectare – or 1 pellet per 55 square metres.
• TBfree can enforce control, but it would be unusual for it to enforce 1080 use. It is only used in large areas where access for alternative methods is difficult.
• Preference is to work with landowners to determine the most suitable method of control.
• Aerial distribution is only done where there is no stock in paddocks. Helicopters fly at approx 60-70 knots at a level of about 200 feet.
• Before any work is undertaken, Regional Public Health has to give sign-off and resource consents approved.
• TBfree works with DoC to take into consideration nesting periods for native birds.
• Signs will be placed where control is undertaken. Must be up for 6 months, after which the danger period is considered over.
• 1080 doesn’t get into fur or bones, so once the flesh has completely broken down the remaining carcass is not considered a danger.
• Deer repellent will be used and bait dyed green to make it harder for birds to see.
TBFREE = http://www.tbfree.org.nz/how-you-can-help-to-beat-tb-2.aspx
TBFREE = http://www.tbfree.org.nz/pest-management-%E2%80%93-how-are-we-doing-it-2.aspx
TBFREE = http://www.tbfree.org.nz/where-pest-control-is-needed.aspx