Clutha Buffer 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 and wildlife. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.

The Clutha Buffer TMA

The Clutha Buffer TMA covers 113,046 ha of land east of the Clutha River from Beaumont Station to Crawford Hills Road.

The topography ranges from relatively gentle farmland through to steep gullies. The habitat is mixed with areas of developed farmland, scrubby gullies, stands of native bush, tussock and dense regenerating scrub.

History of TB and pest control in the Clutha Buffer TMA

Extensive possum control has occurred throughout most of the TMA and this has brought the risk of the disease to low levels.

We carried out ground control in:

• Speargrass Creek area in 2015/2016
• the Beaumont, Crawford Hills, Manorburn, Knobby Range, Teviot River and Timaburn areas during 2016/2017 covering over 100,000ha, and
• the Teviot River and Timaburn areas in 2020/2021.

We also completed a ferret survey in the Lower and Upper Clutha survey areas in 2020/2021.

Current state

There are currently no infected herds in the Clutha Buffer TMA, however we are still working to ensure that there is no TB in the wildlife in this area.

The work planned for this year is very targeted:

• The possum control focusses on gullies and waterways where there’s a risk that groups of possums may still be harbouring the disease.
• Our ferret survey focuses on specific areas where more information is needed to be confident the Clutha Buffer TMA can be declared TBfree.

If you're moving animals

The Clutha Buffer TMA is in the Coastal/Central Otago Movement Control Area (MCA). Before you move cattle or deer to another herd or farm, you must have them tested for bovine TB.

Future pest control operations

We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2021 to June 2022.

Dates and control methods for pest control operations in the Clutha Buffer TMA 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.

Contacts

Excell Limited manage eradication activities in the Clutha Buffer TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Excell Limited
Phone: 0508 EXCELL (0508 392 355)
Email: ssi.excell@excell.co.nz

Your nearest local OSPRI office is in Dunedin.

OSPRI Dunedin office
PO Box 5745
Moray Place
Dunedin 9058

Phone: 03 477 9829
Email: cr_ssi@ospri.co.nz