Farmers in parts of Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Wanganui will benefit from less bovine tuberculosis (TB) cattle and deer testing.  

More than 1100 herds in the three regions have had their TB testing decreased in the Animal Health Board’s (AHB) annual review of its Disease Control Areas.

Dave and Judy Read farm cattle on 1214 hectares at Waiau Station, inland from Wairoa, and have had their herd testing changed from once a year to every two years as of

1 March 2013.

“Any reduction in the frequency of testing, or the number of animals tested, is of real benefit to us,” said Mr Read.

TBfree Hawke’s Bay Committee Chair Dennis Mitchell said the reduction is a result of effective wild animal control and disease management.

“The AHB’s focus on eradicating the disease from wild animals to prevent re-infection of cattle and deer will lead to even less testing for farmers in the future,” said Mr Mitchell.

AHB National TB Manager Kevin Crews said the testing changes reflect the progress made by the TB control programme.

“This reduction could not have been achieved without the help and co-operation of farmers,” said Mr Crews.

“Farmers that have had their testing reduced should not be surprised if they are still required to test their animals this year, but rest assured they will get a break next year.”

To find out what testing regime a herd is on, visit www.tbfree.org.nz/dcamap and simply type in any New Zealand address into the search line.

For further information:

Mike Hansen

Communications Advisor

Animal Health Board

027 460 0754