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 Southern Paparoa Range TB management areaThe Southern Paparoa Range TMA

Most of the Southern Paparoa TMA is made up of public conservation land, with some private properties. The area covers 30,350 hectares, extending over the southern part of the Paparoa Range to Coal Creek, and includes the coastal farmlands and adjacent bush in the Barrytown area. It also includes the area south of Runanga to the Grey River downstream of Taylorville, taking in lower Coal, Bridge and Sulky Creeks and the Twelve Apostles Range behind Cobden.

History of TB and pest control in Southern Paparoa Range

The Southern Paparoa Range TMA has a long history with TB infection in livestock. TB was recently found in possums and pigs.

We undertook aerial possum control in 2022 across the Southern Paparoa Range.

We completed ground-based possum control in the:

  • Barrytown West block in 2017/2018
  • Coal Creek block in 2019, and
  • Coal Creek, Barrytown West and Southern Paparoa Range blocks in 2019 and 2021/2022.

Current state

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

If you're moving animals

The Southern Paparoa Range TMA is in the West Coast Kahurangi Annual Special Testing Area (STA). 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 Southern 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.

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

Type of controlWhenCoverageWhere
Ground control2025/20268100haBarrytown West, Coal Creek, Southern Paparoa Range
Ground control2023/20248100haBarrytown West, Coal Creek, Southern Paparoa Range
Ground control2023/2024500haSouthern Paparoa Range

Map of 2023/2024 pest control operations

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

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

Contacts

Vector Control Services manages eradication activities in the Southern 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