Clarence Catchment TB Management Area (TMA)

Eradicating bovine TB in NZ

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 Clarence Catchment TMA

The Clarence Catchment TMA covers 58,900 hectares north and north-west of Hanmer Springs, including the Hanmer Range and Upper Clarence Catchment. Major waterways include:

• the Percival, Leaderdale, Styx and Hanmer rivers on the southern side of the Clarence Catchment
• the Leaderdale, Bush Gully and Five Mile Saddle rivers to the north.

The habitat is mostly rolling to steep terrain with tussock and native grasses, and scrub and bush in isolated patches and gullies. The climate is mainly dry and drought-prone. Altitudes range from about 800 metres to 1800 metres.

History of TB and pest control in Clarence Catchment

The Clarence Catchment TMA has a long history of TB infection in wildlife and cattle herds. We've found TB-infected ferrets in the surrounding areas of the Clarence and Hossack Rivers. In 2014/2015, we found TB-infected pigs in the Five Mile catchment.

We completed ground control in:

• the Hanmer Extension in 2015/2016, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024
• Hossack in 2010/2011, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024.

We completed aerial control in Bush Gully in 2021 and 2023.

Some areas, such as Clarence (Molesworth), have had very little or no control.

Current state

As of June 2024, there are no infected herds in the Clarence Catchment TMA.

If you're moving animals

The Clarence Catchment 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.

Future pest control operations

We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2024 to June 2025.

Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Clarence Catchment 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:

• talk you through the specifics of each operation
• explain what you need to do before the operations start
• get your consent for the work to be done.

Map of 2024/2025 pest control operations

The proposed area for ground control is marked on the map in green.

Interactive map showing Clarence Catchment TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.

Contacts

Downer NZ Ltd manages eradication activities in the Clarence Catchment TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Downer NZ Ltd

Phone: 0508 392 355

Email: biosecurity@downer.co.nz

Nearest local OSPRI office

OSPRI Christchurch Office

PO Box 8674

Riccarton

Christchurch 8440

Phone: 03 363 3090

Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz