Q. What restrictions are placed on TB infected herds?
A. To make sure TB is not spread between herds, the movement of stock, other than animals going directly to slaughter, is permitted only under very strict conditions. These conditions are described in a legal notice which will be given to the owner or manager of the herd. An intensive TB testing programme will be then put in place to investigate and eradicate infection.
Q. What are TB Movement Control Areas?
A. Movement Control Areas (MCAs) are legally defined areas where there is a greater than normal risk of TB infection and where extra TB testing is compulsory prior to stock movement.
Q. When do my cattle or deer need a pre-movement TB test?
A. If you are moving cattle or deer over 90 days old from a property within an MCA, they must have a pre-movement TB test within 60 days prior to the movement. Stock going direct to slaughter do not need a pre-movement TB test. Special pre-movement testing requirements apply to herds with an Infected or Suspended status, whether or not they are in an MCA.
Q. How do I arrange a pre-movement TB test?
A. Cattle farmers should call the Animal Health Board contact centre on 0800 4 TB INFO (0800 4 824 636). Deer farmers should call their TB testing provider.
Q. Who will contact me?
A. Following your request to the contact centre, your local TB tester will contact you to make testing arrangements.
Q. How long will it be before the pre-movement test is carried out?
A. You need to give 14 days' notice to get a TB test carried out. In many cases, the test will happen sooner, but planning ahead will help avoid delays in your stock movement.
Q. Are there exemptions available for pre-movement testing?
A. Yes, in certain circumstances, usually when stock have only been in an MCA for a short period. Phone 0800 4 TB INFO (0800 4 824 636) to apply for an official exemption to move stock without a pre-movement test. Stock movement from or within an MCA to another property cannot take place without either a pre-movement TB test or an official permit.
Q. How do I arrange a routine TB test, such as my annual or biennial whole herd test?
A. Routine TB tests are automatically scheduled and you will be notified by either letter or phone when your next TB test is due.
Q. What is a vector?
A. A TB vector is a wild animal that transmits bovine TB to farmed animals. Possums are the primary TB vector in New Zealand, along with ferrets and stoats, and are the main target of control work.
Q. Where is vector control carried out?
A. Vector control is carried out in areas where there is known or likely TB infection in the wildlife.We call these high-risk areas.