An independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for Tb has found that, while the goal of completely eradicating Tb by 2055 is still valid, this would not be achieved without prioritising the remaining hot spots of Tb-infected possums.
The review was conducted by a Plan Governance Group that included representatives of the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Deer Industry New Zealand and that was chaired by Dr Helen Anderson, an experienced primary sector board director.
Dr Anderson said New Zealand had made great progress in reducing the impact of Tb, but there was more to do to protect the valuable dairy, beef and deer industries and to safeguard rural communities.
"We are so close to achieving zero infections in our livestock, with just 15 herds, or around 0.01%, infected in June this year. That’s an amazing achievement, thanks to decades of hard work and ongoing investment.
"But while the disease remains in possums, we will keep having outbreaks of reinfection."
The group was seeking feedback on a number of matters including:
• Prioritising eliminating Tb in the remaining hot spots of highly-infected possum populations as soon as possible, using the most cost-effective tools in large "landscape-scale" operations.
• Updating the Tb Plan milestones to achieve Tb freedom in both herds and possums by 2040.
Dr Anderson said it had proposed to replace the current milestone of Tb freedom in herds by 2026.
"We’re so close to zero, but we can’t achieve or maintain zero herd infections until we get rid of the disease reservoirs in the possum population.
"Farmers contribute to the cost of the TBfree programme through their levies and the sooner New Zealand gets rid of Tb in possums and herds, the sooner the cost to farmers can reduce."
Funding of $60 million a year, 60% from farmers and 40% from the Crown, would cover the costs for the next five years.
"Beyond 2031, its currently expected there will be a shortfall, but it’s proposed to undertake a further review of long-term funding before we get to that point.
"It’s too soon to say what will be required beyond 2031."
Ospri operational developments, which contribute to the goals of the Tb Plan, include changes to targeted, criteria-based on-farm Tb testing and potential simplification of the herd status classification system. These are included in the consultation for feedback.
Primary sector levy organisations represented on the group were encouraging farmers to have their say.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Alan Thomson said even if a farmer had never faced Tb on their farm, the plan affected the whole sector.
"Every farmer’s voice matters in shaping how we move forward."
Dairy NZ chief executive Campbell Parker said all farmers should have their say during the consultation.
"Whether or not you've been directly affected by Tb, eradicating this disease is vital for the future of our entire sector."
Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Rhys Griffiths said farmer input played a crucial part in the primary sector’s future.
"Here’s your chance to feed into important decisions. Get informed on what the plan is proposing and make sure you have your say."
Consultation on draft proposals for the Tb Plan closes on October 12.
For more information or to make a submission, visit www.tbplanreview.co.nz. — Allied Media
