South Canterbury South TB Management Area (TMA)

Eradicating bovine TB in NZ

As part of our TBfree programme we deliver our pest control operations through a framework of TB management areas (TMAs). TMAs are areas with known TB infection in livestock or wildlife. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.

The South Canterbury South TMA

The South Canterbury South TMA covers 265,000ha. It comprises of rolling high-country land to steeper slopes and faces onto sub-alpine areas throughout. It is intersected with the main catchments of the Ahuriri and Longslip Creek.

The cover consists of scrub, matagouri patches and native beech forest. There are large tracts of high-country tussock interspersed with scree and bluff systems.

History of TB and pest control in South Canterbury South

The South Canterbury South TMA has a history of TB infestation. TB has been found in wildlife throughout this TMA for many years. Ferrets and feral pigs are widely distributed, and infection was previously common. Herds were also frequently infected.

We completed ground-based possum control in:

• the Clear Stream 1 block was completed during 2017/2018
• the Otekaieke, Cuthbert Range North, Cuthbert Range South block and Manuka Creek blocks in 2016/2017
• the Clear Stream 2 block in 2014/2015
• the Danseys block in 2013/2014.

We completed:

• sporadic ferret surveys in the Cuthbert Range North and Cuthbert Range South blocks 2011/2012
• pig and ferret surveys in Otekaieke in 2017/2018.

Current state

As of June 2023, there are no infected herds in the South Canterbury South TMA.

Future pest control operations

We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2023 to June 2024.

Dates and control methods for pest control operations in South Canterbury South are provisional and subject to change. If you’re affected by any upcoming operations, our pest control contractors will contact you before work begins. They will:

• talk you through the specifics of each operation
• explain what you need to do before the operations start
• get your consent for the work to be done.

Map of 2023/2024 pest control operations

The proposed area for wildlife surveillance is marked on the map in blue.

Interactive map showing South Canterbury South TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas

Contacts

Rentokil Initial manages eradication activities in the South Canterbury South TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Rentokil Initial

Phone: 0508 767 786

Email: info@highcountrycontracting.co.nz

Nearest local OSPRI office

OSPRI Dunedin office

PO Box 5745

Moray Place

Dunedin 9058

Phone: 03 477 9829

Email: cr_ssi@ospri.co.nz