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 Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA covers 159,510 hectares west of the southern end of the Inland Kaikoura Range. It includes:
The habitat is dry grassland interspersed with patches of scrub and bush. Altitudes range from 500 to 2200 metres.
The Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA has an extensive history of TB infection in both local wildlife and cattle herds. We found TB infection in possums, ferrets, pigs and deer — in 2018 and most recently in 2023.
We completed ground-based possum control in 2017/2018 in the Upper Awatere Molesworth block, and a ferret survey in the Upper Awatere block in 2015. We also completed aerial possum control in the Upper Awatere block in 2012/2013.
Our most recent pest control work included:
As of June 2023, there is 1 infected herd in the Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA.
The Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA is in the Marlborough/North Canterbury Movement Control Area. Before you move cattle or deer to another herd or farm, you must have them tested for bovine TB.
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 Molesworth/Clarence Reserve 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:
We will refine proposed boundaries for aerial operations after consulting with landowners and affected parties.
Type of control | When | Coverage | Where |
---|---|---|---|
Pig survey | 2024/2024 | 114,000ha | Molesworth |
Aerial control | 2024/2025 | 8,000ha | Molesworth |
Ground control | 2024/2025 | 32,000ha | Upper Awatere, Upper Awatere Molesworth, Molesworth |
The proposed areas for ground control are marked in green on the map, and the proposed area for aerial control is marked in yellow.
Interactive map showing Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.
Vector Free Marlborough manages aerial control operations and Excell Biosecurity manages ground control operations in the Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Phone: 0508 548 008
Email: communications@vectorfree.co.nz
Phone: 0508 392 355
Email: nsi.excell@excell.co.nz
OSPRI Christchurch Office
PO Box 8674
Riccarton
Christchurch 8440
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz