Coastal Karamea 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 Coastal Karamea TMA

The Coastal Karamea TMA covers 47,940 hectares north of Ngakawau and encompasses developed farmland in Karamea, Seddonville and Corbyvale. The area includes Market Cross, Little Wanganui, the start of the Heaphy and Wangapeka tracks, and the Old Ghost Road.

The habitat is made up of riparian margins, wetlands, coastal verges and patches of native forest surrounded by steep faces of beech. The area includes some large private bush blocks, a game-hunting estate, and numerous lifestyle blocks. Altitudes range from sea level to 600 metres.

History of TB and pest control in Coastal Karamea

The Coastal Karamea TMA has a long history of TB infection in both wildlife and livestock. TB-infected possums were found in 2012 and more were found beyond the extent of the previous aerial operations. In the past, up to 23 of the 64 herds in this TMA have been infected at the same time.

The area has received both ground and aerial control for a number of years. There are areas where possums and disease seem to persist. We completed ground-based possum control in:

• Karamea and Karamea East in 2019/2020
• the Karamea, Karamea East and Seddonville blocks in 2020/2021, and 2022/2023.

We completed aerial-based possum control in Karamea and Karamea East in 2023.

Current state

As of June 2023, there are 2 infected herds in the Coastal Karamea TMA.

If you're moving animals

The Coastal Karamea TMA is in the Tasman/West Coast Movement Control Area. 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 2023 to June 2024.

Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Coastal Karamea 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.

We will refine proposed boundaries for aerial operations after consulting with landowners and affected parties.

Map of 2023/2024 pest control operations

The proposed areas for ground control are marked in green on the map.

Interactive map showing Coastal Karamea TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas

Contacts

Vector Control Services manages eradication activities in the Coastal Karamea TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Vector Control Services

Phone: 0508 141 268
Email: info@vcs.net.nz

Nearest local OSPRI office

OSPRI Christchurch Office
PO Box 8674
Riccarton
Christchurch 8440
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz