Hawke's Bay TB response
We have 1 herd infected with TB in the Hawke's Bay area. To prevent further spread, we've expanded the movement control area and will be completing pest control operations. We'll also continue our TB testing programme in the area.
We’re working with the Hawke's Bay farming community, industry groups, OSPRI local vets, pest control contractors, stock and station agents, and trucking companies in a collective effort to return Hawke's Bay to TB-free status as soon as possible.
Fortnightly update
This fortnight:
- we have 1 herd with a TB-infected status in the region.
- we’re investigating 6 other herds for TB — these herds need further testing before we can determine whether or not TB is present
- a total of 43 herds have been cleared of infection since 2019 and are now back to TB-free status.
TB in Hawke's Bay
To help eradicate TB from New Zealand, we've implemented a framework of TB Management Areas (TMAs) around the country. TMAs are areas with known TB infection in livestock and wildlife.
In Hawke’s Bay, we've identified TB in possums, deer and farmed cattle in the area, and DNA testing indicates the TB outbreak originated in possums.
Hawke’s Bay movement control area
Movement control areas, or MCAs, control how and where livestock can be moved within a TMA. The MCA for Hawke’s Bay was expanded on 1 March 2020 to prevent the spread of TB into other areas. It affects about 622 farms in the area between the Tutaekuri and Mohaka rivers.
Expanding the MCA is a temporary measure. It will be relaxed as disease management clears infection and restores TB-free status to the region.
Checklist for farms within this MCA
- Cattle and deer over 3 months of age will need a clear TB test at least 60 days before moving off your farm.
- Cattle and deer moving direct to slaughter do not need to be TB tested.
- Animals moving within the MCA to a piece of land you lawfully occupy do not need a pre-movement test unless there’s a different herd with a different herd number on the destination property already.
- If you intend to move or sell your animals, you need to book a pre-movement test for them first. You need book this test at least 14 days before you move the animals. You can book a pre-movement test online, or by calling our Support Centre on 0800 482 463.
Pest control programme
We have a programme of aerial and ground pest control operations, and wildlife surveillance in place for Hawke's Bay. We publish notices for each region that describe:
- any possum control or wildlife survey work we have planned for the coming year
- a forward view of further work that will be needed to eradicate TB in the area.
Status of operations 2021-2022
Enter your address in the map below to see the status of pest control operations in your area.
TB testing in Hawke’s Bay
We have an annual TB testing programme already in place for Hawke’s Bay. You don't need to book a test with us — we’ll contact you to organise testing.
If your herd does have a positive blood test, we’re here to help. Our case management team can talk you through the next steps.
Support and advice for farmers and communities
The health, wellbeing and welfare of farmers is our top priority. We’re working with Hawke's Bay farmers who have infected herds to implement farm-specific TB management plans, with the aim of returning each herd to TB-free status as soon as possible.
A TB infection can put extra strain on farm management. We've gathered together some information and resources to help farmers who may need extra support while dealing with a TB outbreak in their herd.
Hunting in the Hawke’s Bay area
We will place warning signs at all main access points to aerial pest control areas that are part of the Hawke’s Bay TB programme. All land users, including hunters, must follow the cautions on these signs.
Individual aerial pest control operations each have an associated TB control operation notice at public entries. The notices provide instructions to ensure the safety of anyone using land within pest control areas.
For more information on the access permissions and permits needed to hunt in the Hawke’s Bay region, contact:
- your local Department of Conservation (DOC) office
- the owner of any private property or leasehold you would like access to.
Further reading
You'll find more information on TB and pest control in the publications and resources section of our site.