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0800 482 463TBfree is an OSPRI programme

TB MANAGEMENT AREASThe TBfree programme aims to control and eventually eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand by 2055.

We use possum control, along with regular herd testing and movement restrictions, to achieve this objective. Information gathered from wild animal surveys, recent and historic findings of TB in wild animals, herd testing results and the operational history of the region is used when planning operations.

The TBfree programme is delivered through TB management areas (TMAs). These areas were created based on the likely or possible presence of TB in wildlife, similar habitat features, known disease patterns, geography and control history. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.

A TMA is made up of one or more Vector Control Zones (VCZs) within which possum control or wildlife survey operations may be carried out from year to year, depending on wild animals present, habitat, progress toward TB eradication and available funding.

This notice provides an overview of TB control work planned for the Catlins Otago/Southland TMA. It is not a formal notice of any specific

operation. All operation dates provided are provisional and subject to consultation.

CATLINS OTAGO/SOUTHLANDThe Catlins TMA covering 230,197 ha is situated near the south-eastern corner of the South Island, spanning both the Otago (169,640 ha) and Southland

(60,557 ha) regions. The landscape is low to moderate rolling hill country with very significant stands of lowland native forest together with large areas of exotic forestry, scrub and improved farmland. This area can be considered as having a central core comprised of the Catlins and Chaslands Forests, and then an outer ring that contains variable amounts of improved farmland, scrub and bush.

ERADICATING BOVINE TB FROM CATLINS OTAGO/SOUTHLANDJULY 2018 | VERSION 2.0

TMA Boundary

CATLINS OTAGO

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0800 482 463TBfree is an OSPRI programme

CATLINS OTAGO/SOUTHLAND TB HISTORYTB was established in wildlife through many parts of the Catlins TMA since the early-1980s. At the peak of TB infection in the 1980s there were up to 100 infected herds in this area at one time.

CONTROL HISTORYOver the past three years ground based possum control has occurred throughout the areas now designated as the Otago and Southland Catlins TMAs. The most recent control occurred 2017/2018 in over 72,000 ha covering the Hinahina, Owaka 1, Slopedown South, Tahakopa, Mouseback, Progress Valley and Waikawa areas.

Ferret surveys covering more than 46,000 ha in Glenomaru, Owaka 2, Romahapa Paretai and Slopedown North block were undertaken during 2017/2018.

During 2017/2018 a pig survey covering over 167,000 ha was completed in the Catlins TMA.

Aerial possum control was undertaken in the Chaslands and Mouseback areas during 2013/2014 covering 16,000 ha. In addition, during 2013/2014, 22,000 ha were aerially controlled in the Catlins control area.

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

TYPE OF CONTROL

WHEN?* HOW MANY HECTARES?

WHERE?

Ground Control 2018/2019 76,000 Chaslands, Hinahina, Mouseback, Owaka 1,

Progress Valley, Slopedown South,

Tahakopa, Waikawa

Ferret Survey 2018/2019 75,900 Glenomaru, Kaihiku, Mokoreta Owaka 2, Romahapa Paretai,

Slopedown North

Pig Survey 2018/2019 167,700 Catlins (Otago/Southland)

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

TMA BoundaryCATLINS SOUTHLAND

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2018/19 OPERATIONS CATLINS OTAGO2018/19 OPERATIONS CATLINS OTAGO

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2018/19 OPERATIONS CATLINS SOUTHLAND

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0800 482 463TBfree is an OSPRI programme

ERADICATION GOALSOSPRI’s main goals for TB control in the Catlins Otago/Southland area are for TB freedom in livestock, possums and the Catlins Otago/ Southland TMA by 2026.

These goals are ahead of the national objectives of TB freedom in livestock by 2026, and TB freedom in possums by 2040. We aim to have eradicated TB from New Zealand by 2055.

TARGETING POSSUMSTo eradicate bovine TB from possum populations, possum numbers need

to be kept extremely low – around one to two animals every ten hectares.

Previous wildlife control and livestock disease management has dramatically reduced the number of infected herds in the Catlins TMA.

WILDLIFE ANIMAL SURVEYSBefore an area can be classed as TB-free, surveys are used to assess if TB is still present in wildlife. While possums are the main source of infection from wildlife it can be difficult and costly to detect TB in possum populations. Ferrets and pigs are good indicators of TB in possums because they scavenge widely, so are likely to get TB from eating TB-infected possum carcasses. The results from these surveys will tell us if TB is still in the area and whether further possum control work needs to be done.

CONSULTATIONOSPRI aims to ensure that communities, land occupiers and land users are notified of planned operations well in advance and have the opportunity

to submit feedback about any possible risks or sensitive areas that need to be managed.

OSPRI will always seek the willing cooperation of land occupiers when TBfree programme work needs to be carried out on their land.

Before any operations begin, affected landowners and occupiers will be contacted and visited by one of our contractors. Depending on the methods used and the location of the operations, consents may be required from the Department of Conservation and Ministry of Health.

THE METHODGROUND CONTROLOur contractors will be using toxins and traps to carry out this possum control operation.

Different toxins are used depending on the size and terrain of the operational area. Toxins will either be placed in bait stations, stapled to trees in biodegradable bags or hand-laid. Contractors will consult with landowners on which toxin will be

© Matt Winter

© DOC

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0800 482 463TBfree is an OSPRI programme

used to ensure the safety of livestock, pets and native animals.

There are many different types of traps, such as leg hold or kill traps. In choosing the right one, we will take into consideration ease of access, set-up and maintenance time, animal welfare factors and the potential risks to livestock, pets and native animals.

On occasion our contractors may also use corflute chew cards or wax tags to identify possum populations where control is required.

PIG SURVEYOur contractors will collect wild pigs for disease surveillance, using one of three proven methods. Pigs may be ground hunted, trapped or shot from helicopters for post-mortem examination.

FERRET SURVEYOur contractors will be using hand-laid traps to carry out this ferret survey operation. Depending on the situation, live capture or kill traps may be used.

POSSUM POPULATION ASSSESSMENT Before control work is carried out an assessment of the wildlife population may be undertaken.

Following control work, the possum population density may also be monitored to assess the operation’s success. From the results, we’ll be able to tell if further possum control work needs to be done in the area.

TESTING HERDSCattle and deer herds are monitored for TB through a combination of herd testing and carcass inspection at slaughter. The frequency of testing depends on the herd’s location, management and TB history. To check the testing frequency for your property visit ospri.co.nz/dcamap

WHAT NEXT?Dates and control methods for the proposed operations are provisional

and subject to consultation. OSPRI contractors will be in contact with affected landowners and occupiers before any work commences.

CONTACT DETAILSOSPRI Dunedin office PO Box 5745, Moray Place Dunedin 9058 P 03 477 9829 E cr_ssi@ospri.co.nz ospri.co.nz

Contract Wild Animal Control NZ LTD P 0800 292 269 E lyndon@cwac.co.nz