OSPRI brings drones into the fight against bovine TB

Minister of Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard visits the drone trial in Otago.

The agency is working with contractor, Interpine, on a trial site in the rugged tussock-covered hills of Otago where the massive landscapes make traditional possum control challenging.

“We see the use of thermal imaging technology and drones as the next step in our constant search to find new and innovative ways to monitoring possum numbers,” OSPRI chief executive Sam McIvor says.

“It’s also about being smart with the way we use the funding we get from farmers, their levy bodies and the government.

The trial is testing the ability of the thermal imaging drones to monitor possums (the main spreader of TB) and assess their population densities.    
“We see great potential for this drone technology to be more cost-effective and efficient than on-the-ground surveillance methods, especially in remote, extensive and mountainous habitats. 

“It could also help us establish TB freedom faster.”

“We selected the Otago trial site because this region is considered a hot spot for TB eradication. We have 1.3 million hectares to cover in this region and need to be smart about how to concentrate our effort and resources. 

“To eradicate bovine TB, we have to eradicate enough of the possums for the disease to be unable to exist in a possum population. 

“This drone and imaging technology means we find more possums, faster, and can get the disease eradicated faster.”