Waipunga 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 Waipunga TMA

The Waipunga TMA is located halfway between Napier and Taupō. It's bisected by the Napier Taupo highway (SH5). The Ahimanawa Range is in the east of the TMA, and sections of the southern boundary run along the Mohaka and Waipunga rivers.

The land is steep, rugged, country predominantly covered by native bush. There are very few herds in this area.

History of TB and pest control in Waipunga

We've found local wildlife, including pigs, deer and possums, infected with TB in Waipunga. We confirmed TB infection in 4 pigs in 2018, and 2 possums in 2020.

Previous possum control and livestock disease management has reduced the number of infected herds in the Hawke's Bay region. However, our monitoring has shown that we need to do further control work in the Waipunga area to reduce the possum population. This will:

• minimise the risk of the disease spreading through wild animal populations into farmed cattle and deer
• ensure further good progress towards eradicating TB. 

All areas within this TMA have received at least one aerial control operation, except Takarere which has had no control to date. Aerial control last occurred in Waipunga in 2015. We completed aerial control operations in the Takahiapo in 2016 and Ahimanawa in 2020. 

Current state

A small number of cattle herds in Waipunga were previously infected with TB. However, there are no infected herds within the area currently.

If you're moving animals

The Waipunga TMA is in the Central North Island Movement Control Area (MCA). That means TB testing is required for cattle and deer before they're moved to another herd or farm. 

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 Waipunga 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

EPRO Limited manage our pest control operations in Waipunga. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

EPRO Limited
Phone: 07 378 4852 / 0800 275 3776
Email: control@epro.co.nz

Your nearest local OSPRI office is in Palmerston North.

OSPRI Palmerston North
PO Box 9078
Terrace End
Palmerston North 4441
Phone: 06 354 4786
Email: vector.sni@ospri.co.nz