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.

Map showing boundaries of Paparoa Range TB management area

The Paparoa Range TMA

The Paparoa Range TMA covers 84,700 hectares from the Buller River to Mt Pecksniff. It includes the Paparoa Range and the catchments of the Otututu (Rough), Ohikanui, Blackwater, Nile, Fox and Pororari rivers.

The habitat is podocarp and beech forest, with some patches of scrub. Altitudes range from around 200 to 1480 metres.

History of TB and pest control in Paparoa Range

The Paparoa Range TMA has a long history of TB infection in local wildlife and cattle herds. The most recent wildlife infection was found in 2017, when TB-infected possums were identified.

In 2021 the Western Paparoa Range block was controlled through the Department of Conservation’s Tiakina Ngā Manu Programme.

We completed:

  • aerial possum control in Paparoa National Park in 2018, and
  • ground control in the Western Paparoa Range in 2021/2022.

Current state

As of June 2023, the Paparoa Range TMA has no infected herds.

If you're moving animals

The Paparoa Range TMA is in the West Coast Kahurangi Annual Special Testing Area. In these areas, cattle over 12 months and deer over 15 months of age are tested annually.

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 Paparoa Range 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.
Type of controlWhenCoverageWhere
Aerial control2023/202447,400haPaparoa National Park
Ground control2023/20243,300haWestern Paparoa Range
Ground control2025/20263,300haWestern Paparoa Range

Map of 2023/2024 pest control operations

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

Interactive map showing Paparoa Range TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.

Contacts

Vector Control Services manages eradication activities in the Paparoa Range 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