Brushtail Possum (RPMP 2018)

OSPRI

Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that adversely affects cattle and deer, thereby impacting on farm productivity and threatening NZ international trade. The major source of Tb infection is through wildlife like possums and ferret as vectors. Bovine Tb is subject to a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993. OSPRI is responsible for implementing the NPMP.

The key objectives of the NPMP for TB is to achieve biological eradication from New Zealand by 2055, attain TB freedom in livestock by 2026 and statistical freedom' in possums by 2040. These objectives were endorsed by farmers, industry and local and central government through a major review of the TB programme in 2015. All of these parties want to protect our reputation as a supplier of safe, high quality meat and dairy products.

Go to the OSPRI website for more information on bovine TB

Wildlife vector management (focussing on possums) under the OSPRI operational programmes is a key component to achieve their programme objectives. However, as TB is eradicated from geographic areas, OSPRI no longer manage the possum population.

If landholder wishes to do so, this is the easiest time to implement control measures such as (bait station lines) to sustain low numbers.