Hari Hari TB response
We have 0 herds infected with TB in the Hari Hari area. To prevent further spread and eradicate TB in Hari Hari, we've implemented a movement control area and will be completing pest control operations. We've also started an extensive TB testing programme in the area.
We’re working with Hari Hari farmers with infected herds to implement farm-specific TB management plans to return each herd to TB-free status as soon as possible.
Our goal is to eradicate TB from the Hari Hari area by 2033.
Latest updates
There are 0 herds with a TB-infected status in the Hari Hari area.
For infected status herds to return to a clear status, 2 clear whole herd tests are required, no less than 6 months apart. These tests may include an additional blood test for part or all of the herd.
TB in Hari Hari TMA
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.
We've identified TB in possums, deer and farmed cattle in Hari Hari. The infection was first identified through routine on-farm TB testing, and DNA testing indicated the source of the infection was possums from the Wanganui Valley.
Hari Hari Movement Control Area
Movement Control Areas (MCAs) control how and where livestock can be moved within a TMA area. An MCA was put in place for Hari Hari on 9 February 2021, to prevent the spread of TB into other areas. The MCA affects about:
- 41 dairy herds
- 18 beef herds
- 1 deer herd.
The MCA covers farms between:
- the eastern Waitaha Valley edge and Kakapotahi River in the east
- the southernmost area of the Poerua River flat in the southwest boundary
- the Tasman Sea to the north
- the Southern Alps to the south.
The area of the change is about 53,000 hectares, of which about 22,000 hectares is farmed land.
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. Book a pre-movement test
Pest control programme
The Hari Hari TMA is subject to a focused programme of work that includes ground-based and aerial pest control activities, wildlife surveillance, and TB testing. The map below shows the current operational progress.
TB testing in Hari Hari
We have an annual TB testing programme already in place for the Hari Hari area. 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. A TB infection puts extra strain on farm management. We can help by:
- giving you regular updates on disease management and eradication progress in the area
- arranging TB testing for your herd
- answering your questions — you can contact us by phone or email, and our regional team can visit you on the farm
- working with Federated Farmers, Beef+Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and Deer Industry NZ to support you.
Hunting in the Hari Hari area
We will place warning signs at all main access points to aerial pest control areas that are part of the Hari Hari TB programme. All land users, including hunters, must follow the cautions on these signs.
Individual aerial pest control operations will have an associated TB control operation notice. These notices provide instructions to ensure the safety of land users within pest control areas.
For further information on the access permissions and permits required to hunt in the Hari Hari area you’ll need to contact your local Department of Conservation office, and the owners of any private property or leasehold in the area.
All farmers and people in charge of animals are legally obliged to update their NAIT account when farming cattle and deer. Not doing so compromises:
- our biosecurity response and preparedness
- our food safety
- effective livestock traceability.
For help and advice on meeting your NAIT requirements, call the OSPRI Contact Centre on 0800 482 463, or email us at info@ospri.co.nz.
MPI have information available on the different kinds of support available to farmers, including:
- feed planning
- government financial support
- mental health and social support.
Getting support with your feed planning
Dealing with drought conditions
As work continues to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, some farmers may be experiencing stress. MPI has information about the support available for farmers affected by Mycoplasma bovis.
The Rural Support Trust team supports farmers and rural communities in Hari Hari. Contact the West Coast office on 027 622 9719 for help or advice.
While bovine TB can be passed to humans and household pets, the chance of this happening is very low. The best protection is to:
- make sure all meat is well cooked
- eat and drink pasteurised dairy products — avoid raw milk
- keep dogs on a lead in or near bush areas
- keep cats inside at night
- don't feed raw possum meat to pets.
Further reading
You'll find more information on topics like 1080 and pest control in NZ in the publications and resources section of our site.