Summer brings critical risks to look out for

2018-12-14

Summer safety is front of mind for OSPRI’s staff and contractors – at work and at home.

NAIT upgrade to assist farmers

2018-12-06

The NAIT online system is set to be enhanced following the development of an interactive map

December 2018 Edition

2018-12-01

Do you need help with NAIT? PICA delegates or information providers can assist farmers with keeping their NAIT account up to date. OSPRI Chair Barry Harris discusses the progress made with our TBfree programme and there's advice if selling calves.

Getting help with NAIT

2018-11-30

Canterbury drystock farmer Katy Iremonger says farmers shouldn't feel embarrassed or worried about seeking help with their NAIT account. The OSPRI contact centre can assist farmers with using NAIT and finding a PICA delegate or information provider.

Marching towards a TB-free future

2018-11-21

OSPRI Chairman Barry Harris says New Zealand farmers can be proud of the progress of the TB Plan towards eradicating the infectious livestock disease bovine tuberculosis.

Moving bulls? Don't be complacent with NAIT requirements

2018-11-16

Bulls tend to move around a lot, so it is essential all movements are recorded and confirmed by the sender and receiver in the NAIT online system, within 48 hours of the bull relocating.

November 2018 Edition

2018-11-01

Watch our animation film on PICA responsibilities. Beef farmer Richard Morrison talks about managing bulls and associated risks with movements. Our predator control initiative gets a boost in Dunedin area, NAIT consultation and Annual Report is out.

Strategy explains OSPRI’s R&D direction

2018-10-31

OSPRI makes a substantial investment in the Research and Development that informs the design of The TBfree programme. Now a three-year strategy document sets the direction for R&D projects and activities until 2021.

NAIT users encouraged to have their say on MPI consultation

2018-10-30

OSPRI encourages all NAIT users to have their say on the NAIT Review consultation launched by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Lifetime animal traceability starts at the farmgate

2018-10-25

Making sure all livestock coming on and off farm are NAIT tagged and registered online is every farmers’ responsibility says Taranaki farmer Nick Brown.

Tests confirm Northern Remutaka water free of toxins

2018-10-08

Water courses have tested clear in the vicinity of a recent possum control operation in the northern Remutaka Range.

OSPRI’s Predator Free Dunedin work boosted by Government grant

2018-10-04

OSPRI'S possum control for TB eradication around Dunedin is supporting a five-year $15 million predator control project in the wildlife capital of the South Island.

October 2018 Edition

2018-10-01

What defines a NAIT location? Watch our animation on the 10km rule. There is a TMA update on all our nationwide operations and read recent publications on the success of our TBfree programme and accessing information about animals in NAIT.

Northern Remutaka aerial operation complete

2018-09-26

An aerial 1080 possum control operation in the Northern Remutaka Range was completed during September.

Acting OSPRI Chief Executive appointed

2018-09-24

The OSPRI Board has announced the appointment of an Acting Chief Executive following the resignation of Michelle Edge.

NAIT provides effective livestock traceability

2018-09-18

West Coast sharemilker Andrew Stewart knows the value of NAIT. He says it is vital for farmers or industry managing a future biosecurity incursion or livestock disease response.

Work underway to enhance NAIT system

2018-08-31

OSPRI (NAIT Limited) is making steady progress addressing key operational recommendations identified in the NAIT review.

OSPRI launches new NAIT guides and factsheets

2018-08-31

OSPRI has launched a range of new guidance and advice to help farmers (PICAs). Since the NAIT review, we have been undertaking a refresh of all our information resources with primary focus on ensuring PICAs are fully aware of their NAIT obligations.

Registering all farm locations in NAIT is essential

2018-08-30

As a fundamental aspect of the NAIT programme and for the sake of effective livestock traceability, people in charge of animals (PICAs) must register all their farm locations says OSPRI.

Are you registering your animals correctly in NAIT?

2018-08-24

If you are rearing or selling calves for beef production be sure to assign the correct animal production type in the NAIT online system, says Top of the South TBfree Chair Richard Tripe.

TB programme explainer: Risk Based Pest Control

2018-08-24

Risk Based Pest Control is the second in a series of animations about how the TBfree programme managed by OSPRI works to eradicate bovine TB from wildlife.

TBfree disease chief invites operational discussion

2018-08-17

As the TBfree programme’s proposed possum control operations open for consultation this month, OSPRI Head of Disease Management Kevin Crews says this important disease eradication work is essential for New Zealand’s farming future.

Consultation opens on TBfree pest control operations

2018-08-01

OSPRI is inviting feedback on proposed TBfree pest control operations for 2019.

Wellington region benefits from TBfree programme

2018-07-24

A New Zealand free of bovine tuberculosis is the ultimate goal of the TBfree programme, says Wellington TBfree committee member and Battle Hill farmer Richard Iremonger.

Safe dogs are happy dogs when poison is about

2018-07-19

Keeping dogs safe is particularly important this winter as possum control operations take place in the region to combat the spread of bovine TB between wildlife and domestic cattle and deer.

TBfree Committees seeking Young Farmers

2018-07-16

OSPRI’s TBfree committees are on the look-out for the next generation of farmers to help assist with the national TBfree programme says Clinton Young Farmer Emma Sutherland.

MPI update on Mycoplasma bovis response

2018-07-06

The Ministry for Primary industries (MPI) recently sent a letter and supporting questions and answers (Q&A) to all farmers to provide them an update about MPI’s progress towards eradicating Mycoplasma bovis.

OSPRI CEO says NAIT criticisms unfair

2018-07-06

OSPRI Chief Executive, Michelle Edge talked to the Farmers Weekly about her time leading OSPRI and addressed some of the criticisms of NAIT.

OSPRI site attracts record crowds at Fieldays 2018

2018-06-29

It was great to see such big numbers at our Mystery Creek site. It was record-breaking compared to previous years with plenty of farmer interest generated towards NAIT and TBfree requirements.

Rearing calves? remember your NAIT and ASD obligations

2018-06-29

Dairy farmers and lifestyle block holders rearing calves should be mindful of their NAIT obligations and requirement to complete and retain an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form.

Silverstream TB pest control area reopens to dogs

2018-06-29

The Silverstream catchment near Dunedin has been reopened to dogs, a year after a TBfree aerial 1080 possum control operation.

New Chair appointed to OSPRI Board

2018-06-29

Experienced agricultural identity Barry Harris has been appointed Chairman of OSPRI, the primary industry organisation responsible for managing the TBfree and NAIT programmes.

Safer vehicle sees contractor walk away from side-by-side rollover

2018-06-28

In what could have been a fatal quad accident, a contractor was lucky to escape a serious rollover with just a bang on the head after his side-by-side vehicle flipped on farmland in South Canterbury.

OSPRI and MPI in joint initiative to improve NAIT compliance

2018-06-22

OSPRI and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are undertaking a joint initiative to ensure greater uptake and compliance with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system.

OSPRI Chief Executive resigns

2018-06-22

Michelle Edge has announced her resignation after a rewarding three years as OSPRI Chief Executive.

Hawke's Bay TB chair backs plan's progress

2018-06-15

Farmers can look to the TBfree programme as an example of how to manage the most recent threat to their businesses and livelihoods, says Nick Dawson.

OSPRI and MPI target NAIT compliance

2018-06-08

OSPRI is ready to support the Government’s intentions to fast-track the improvement of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system in accordance with recommendations of the NAIT review.

Supporting MPI’s M bovis response

2018-05-29

OSPRI continues to assist the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in the Mycoplasma bovis disease response, using the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme to provide trace-back and reporting of movements of animals on and off th

OSPRI at Fieldays® to help with your NAIT and TBfree obligations

2018-05-23

Fieldays® is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the farmer calendar and the OSPRI Pit stop team will be there from June 13-16 at Mystery Creek.

OSPRI ready to support enhancing traceability framework

2018-05-18

OSPRI is ready to support the government’s intentions to fast-track proposals to improve the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system following the release of the NAIT Review report.

New Factsheet: Using Cattle as TB Sentinels

2018-05-15

The use of cattle as sentinels is explained in a new factsheet available on the OSPRI website.

Ready for Moving Day

2018-05-11

Autumn is a busy period for dairy farmers and aside from calving and drying off, there is Moving Day. Award winning Manawatu contract milker Jarrod Greenwood is finalising plans for his move and kindly took some time out to discuss how preparations a

Karamea Bluffs and Stormy Ridge operations complete

2018-05-04

The TBfree programme’s Karamea Bluffs and Stormy Ridge aerial possum control operations on the South Island's upper West Coast have been successfully completed.

Central Kaweka possum control operation postponed

2018-05-04

A TBfree aerial 1080 operation proposed for the central Kaweka Range has been postponed until further notice.

Farmers urged to be well prepared this Moving Day

2018-05-03

OSPRI urges herd owners changing address on Moving Day this year to be vigilant about registering animals and recording movements to enable ongoing traceback and animal health surveillance.

TBfree committees join forces

2018-04-27

The success of OSPRI’s TBfree programme in the northern North Island has prompted the TBfree committees for Waikato, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty to amalgamate - with the first combined regional AGM on May 16.

Enhancing biosecurity through consignment traceability

2018-04-27

The recently released NAIT Review Report makes a number of recommendations on improving New Zealand’s traceability framework.

Refreshed Health and Safety strategy launched

2018-04-26

OSPRI launches a refreshed Health and Safety strategy to a conference of some of the company’s 300 contractors in Palmerston North today.

DNA strain typing tracks source of TB

2018-04-23

OSPRI and its research partners use the DNA strain type of TB infections to pinpoint the source of disease.

Come see us at the 2018 Deer Industry National Conference (DINZ)

2018-04-23

The deer industry is about to undertake changes to the TB testing regime. If you’re in the industry, are you aware of what that means for you? Perhaps, you need help getting your NAIT account up-to-date?

Westland aerial pest ops special focus

2018-04-20

The winter’s TBfree possum control operations in the South Island are detailed online in a series of landing pages on the website of programme manager OSPRI.

OSPRI’s role in supporting the NAIT review

2018-04-19

Clarification of the process of the NAIT review and OSPRI's role in this. OSPRI was one of several parties, alongside government and industry, undertaking the NAIT review. OSPRI was not the governing agent of the NAIT review.

Proving freedom from bovine TB

2018-04-18

Proof of Freedom from bovine TB is a fundamental measurement of the progress of the TB plan.

Tracking the targets of disease control

2018-04-13

To eradicate TB in possums, TBfree managers need to know where and how many animals are active in the target areas.

Enhancing NAIT - release of NAIT review

2018-04-04

A recent review of the programme has just been completed with recommendations provided to the Minister for Agriculture and Biosecurity, Damien O’Connor.

Understanding NAIT system fundamentals

2018-03-29

Good to see you at the Field Days

2018-03-28

Farmers looking for personal help with TBfree and NAIT requirements have enjoyed face-to-face meetings with programme extension staff at field days in Southland, Northland and Central Districts in the past month.

OSPRI works with Dunedin volunteers

2018-03-26

OSPRI and the Landscape Connection Trust (LCT) are working together to reduce the numbers of possums in sensitive coastal areas near Dunedin.

OSPRI H&S Charter adopted by industry

2018-03-22

Beef and dairy farmers talk DCA changes

2018-03-22

TBfree Disease Control Area changes mean Manawatu beef farmer Stu Robbie of Otapawa Station in the Manawatu only needs to TB test his beef cattle once every three years, instead of every two, saving costly musters each year.

Karamea Bluffs & Stormy Ridge TBfree possum control operations

2018-03-21

Kapakapanui possum control operation rescheduled

2018-03-07

TB Plan progress means fewer TB tests

2018-02-28

Beef and dairy farmers talk DCA changes

2018-02-28

Come see us at the Northland Field Days

2018-02-22

Update on the NAIT review

2018-01-26

Landcare's TBfree work wins award

2018-01-23

Consultation in action

2018-01-18

Need help over the festive break?

2017-12-21

Eradicating bovine TB from Molesworth Station

2017-11-30

Quad bike ban addresses safety concerns

2017-11-28

Welcome to OSPRI’s new website

2017-11-15

OSPRI's hunting consultation explained

2017-09-29

An editorial ahead of the annual Sika Show in Taupo explains OSPRI's effective consultations with deer hunters.

Spring time bounce back for West Coast birds

2017-09-25

Native species benefit from pest control ops

OSPRI committed to working with local Central Otago communities

2017-08-15

Postponement of operation shows ongoing commitment to working with communities to ensure views are addressed.

West Coast mussel beds test clear

2017-08-14

Shellfish unaffected by 1080 possum control operation

Kaimanawa deer hunted for TB research

2017-08-11

Deer sampled to research TB in wildlife.

Molesworth TB eradication begins

2017-08-10

Consultation opens for proposed 2018 TBfree pest control operations

2017-08-02

OSPRI is now consulting on its proposed 2018 TBfree programme aerial pest control operations.

OSPRI works with Iwi to help Mohaka forest become TBFree

2017-07-27

An agreement that will see bovine TB eradicated from a large forested area on the Mohaka River in northern Hawke’s Bay was signed between Ngāti Pāhauwera and primary industries services organisation OSPRI.

OSPRI’S new approach to managing TB eradication

2017-07-11

OSPRI has created a framework of TB Management Areas (TMAs) that set out activity plans at a local level for the purpose of eradicating bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand.

Surveillance of TB status in the Hokonui Hills

2017-06-26

Silver Peaks aerial operation: your questions answered

2017-06-12

A large-scale possum control operation in the Silver Peaks area near Dunedin is an important part of the programme that will eradicate bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand.

Silver Peaks TBfree possum control operation

2017-05-16

Keeping on top of the TB Slaughter Levy

2017-05-15

Moving Day: need to know

2017-05-09

TB infection under management in Collingwood dairy herd

2017-03-03

Disease control area changes reduce TB testing

2017-02-28

Waikato TB infection remains under management

2017-02-02

Pig surveys support TB eradication

2017-01-16

OSPRI programme manager for the Northern South Island, Josh King, says wild pigs are great indicators of an area's TB status.

OSPRI well placed to help deliver biosecurity strategy

2016-11-22

OSPRI has offered full support for the Government’s biosecurity strategy, announced by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy today.

Pest control and invertebrates

2016-11-18

Information for farmers in the North Canterbury-Marlborough MCA

2016-11-18

Consultation on 2017 TBfree pest control operations

2016-11-11

We are now inviting feedback on our 2017 national plan for TBfree pest control operations.

Wildlife surveys track TB

2016-11-11

Ferret and pig surveys are underway in Western Southland to determine the TB status of the region’s wildlife.

Test and record to reduce risk

2016-10-06

Farmers buying, selling or leasing bulls this season need to manage their TB risk.

Tag calves before they travel

2016-09-22

Southland TBfree committee member Shelli Mears says too many farmers don't know their legal tagging obligations for calves going out the farm gate this spring.

Mount Cargill possum control operation

2016-09-15

A possum control operation is due to start in the Mount Cargill area in this month.

Safe yards make for happy stock handling

2016-08-31

Aerial pest control operation for Ruapehu district

2016-08-31

TBfree programme manager OSPRI will collaborate with the Conservation Department (DOC) to undertake a pest control operation over about 44,000 hectares of rugged alpine native bush in the Ruapehu district during September.

TB Slaughter Levy

2016-08-25

The differential TB slaughter levy for cattle replaces the former cattle levy and imposes different levy rates for beef and dairy animals. The new levy comes into effect on 1 August 2016.

New plan to tackle bovine TB officially launched

2016-07-13

Primary industry leaders came together last night in Wellington to officially launch the new plan for managing bovine TB in New Zealand.

Nearly 1.6 million hectares declared free of bovine TB

2016-07-04

New Zealand has taken another step towards becoming TB-free with large areas of previously infected land being declared free of the disease.

It’s important farmers and industry have their say on TB Plan proposal

2016-06-23

The future of the TB control in New Zealand is in the hands of farmers and other key stakeholders with the TB Plan proposal from the Plan Governance Group now open for consultation.

Government formally approves new TB Plan

2016-06-03

Amendments to the National Pest Management Plan to target the eradication of bovine tuberculosis have been formally ratified by the Government.

Approval of funding for TB eradication plan welcomed

2016-05-26

Government funding for the ongoing plan to eradicate bovine tuberculosis has been approved by Minister for Primary Industries, Hon Nathan Guy.

Get sorted for your Gypsy Day move

2016-05-17

Sharemilkers and dairy herd owners have plenty to think about at the moment, and with Gypsy Day fast approaching OSPRI’s here to help get you sorted for NAIT and TBfree.

Research work vital to achieving a TB-free New Zealand

2016-04-04

The primary wildlife source of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in New Zealand is the possum, with transmission of infection from possums to livestock regarded as a key barrier to eradicating TB from livestock.

TB infected possums found in Mount Cargill area

2016-04-04

Possums infected with bovine tuberculosis (TB) have been found as part of OSPRI’s work to determine the cause of the TB infection in a number of Mount Cargill herds, North of Dunedin, Otago.

1080 and dogs

2016-03-31

Possum control operation to target southern Rimutaka

2016-03-31

An aerial possum control operation is planned for the southern Rimutaka Ranges this spring as part of the drive towards eventual eradication of bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand.

Wasp sting incident prompts reissue of first aid guide

2016-03-30

A pest controller’s near-fatal allergic reaction to a wasp attack in Southland has prompted the reissue of OSPRI’s health and safety factsheet First Aid in the Field.

Achieving eradication targets mean fewer TB tests

2016-03-01

The farming industry’s investment in TB eradication is proving to be effective as OSPRI lifts stock movement restrictions and reduces testing requirements in many areas.

Dog poisoning highlights importance of following warning signs

2016-01-20

A recent dog poisoning following an aerial pest control operation in the Taupo region highlights the importance of complying with warning signs and taking steps to protect pets. ​

Investigation underway as bovine TB found in Mount Cargill herds

2015-12-04

OSPRI’s TBfree programme is working to determine the cause of a bovine tuberculosis (TB) infection in a number of Mount Cargill herds. Slaughter and routine TB testing has identified three TB infected herds in the area.

Eradicating TB from the Upper Clutha

2015-11-26

Together with local farmers OSPRI has been taking the fight to pests in Upper Clutha with pest control operations being carried out as part of the TBfree programme. The goal of this work is to eradicate TB from wildlife in the area.

Deliberate removal of warning signs risks locals’ safety

2015-11-20

A recent signage audit of OSPRI’s TBfree Waimea-Kawhaka aerial possum control block has identified that a number of warning signs have been deliberately removed.

Government and industry team up to trial online livestock traceability tool for market access

2015-11-18

Government and key primary industry players are working together to develop an online tool that captures key information about livestock status and movements as they move through the supply chain.

Waimea Kawhaka TB control operation successfully completed

2015-11-10

OSPRI’s TBfree Waimea Kawhaka aerial possum control operation was successfully completed on 5 November 2015. Possums are the main carrier of bovine TB and may spread the disease to livestock in surrounding farmland if they are not effectively control

DOC and OSPRI join forces to fight pests in Conservation Park

2015-10-21

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and OSPRI have just completed a joint operation to battle pests in the Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Conservation Park in the Central North Island.

Number of TB infected herd numbers at all-time record low

2015-09-09

The number of bovine tuberculosis (TB) infected herds has dropped below 40 for the first time in the history of New Zealand’s TBfree programme delivered by OSPRI.

Farmers urged to have their say on future plans for fighting bovine TB

2015-06-03

New Zealand cattle and deer farmers are being urged to get involved in how the fight against bovine TB is carried out, with a review of the Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Plan underway.

NAIT compliance criticisms answered

First H&S Awards recognise leading Contractors

OSPRI’s inaugural Health and Safety Conference in Wellington this week celebrated the leadership of several wildlife contractors.

NAIT online system moving to a cloud-based application

All PICAs are advised that there will be a NAIT outage on Sunday, 11 November between 9am-3pm.