2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION · to known or uncertain TB presence. In the Catlins to consultation this document. 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION

2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATIONAUGUST 2019

This document outlines proposed TBfree aerial and ground possum control and surveillance operations for 2020. OSPRI, which manages the TBfree programme, consults with people and organisations affected by disease control operations, including landowners and land users, farmers, hunters and people who pursue outdoor recreation.

Details about how to make a submission are on page 24. For further information go to www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say.

TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz

http://www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say

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CONTENTS

The TBfree Programme 1

The TBfree programme 2

Using 1080 for possum control 2

Towards eradication: regional operational focus 4

Proposed operations for 2020 6

Regional overviews 8

Consulting with communities 8

Opportunities for further consultation 8

Operations ahead 8

Aerial operation planning and consultation process 9

2020 TBfree Pest Control Operations Consultation case study 10

North Island Aerial Operations 2020 11

Kaipo 12

Te Awahohonu – Ahimanawa 13

Northern Tararua 14

Timahanga 15

Turangi 4B 16

Waitara Valley 17

Northern South Island Aerial Operations 2020 18

Bush Gully and Tarndale 19

Upper Awatere North and South 20

Buller South 21

New Creek / Mokihinui 22

Radiant Range 23

Have Your Say 24

TBfree is an OSPRI programme

THE TBFREE PROGRAMME

12020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION

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The TBfree programmePossums are a major source of TB infection in cattle and deer herds in parts of New Zealand, so possum control is a key activity for the TBfree programme, alongside livestock TB testing and movement control. The TB plan aims to achieve biological eradication of TB from New Zealand by 2055, with TB freedom in livestock by 2026 and statistical freedom from disease in possums by 2040.

Those objectives require maintaining very low possum numbers for significant periods of time through possum control. Most possum control work (>90 per cent) is ground-based but, in some areas, aerial 1080 operations are the only effective and efficient method for completing operations over large areas.

As the TBfree programme progresses towards the eradication of TB from wildlife and livestock, possum control methods are constantly refined to ensure most efficient use of resources in achieving the eradication goals.

Using 1080 for possum controlOSPRI’s TBfree programme has the objective of eradicating bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand. To achieve that, it is vital to control populations of possums, the wildlife ‘vector’ (transmitters) of TB that infects cattle and deer. There are strict safety, quality assurance and monitoring requirements surrounding the use of 1080 when applied aerially or by hand. The careful use of biodegradable 1080 to control possums has been a key tool for achieving the significant decline of TB-infected cattle and deer herds – from about 1700 in the mid-1990s to fewer than 30 in June 2019.

BENEFITS OF USING 1080 As well as eradicating TB in livestock and possums, there are positive biodiversity benefits from using 1080 – particularly for New Zealand’s native bush and birdlife.

Every year introduced pests kill millions of native birds and destroy native bush. Many of New Zealand’s native species are struggling to survive in the wild. Without the use of 1080 to control possums and other predators (e.g. rats, stoats, ferrets and pigs), birds such

as kiwi, whio and mohua, among many others, will disappear from mainland NZ.

A major longitudinal study published this year tracked hundreds of North Island brown kiwi and their offspring through four large-scale joint OSPRI/DOC 1080 operations in Tongariro Forest over 22 years. Results showed that just over 50% of kiwi chicks in the 20,000ha Tongariro Forest survived to six months old in the first breeding season after aerial 1080 treatment. Without pest control as few as 5% of chicks survive to adulthood.

SUCCESS TO DATE USING 1080• TB eradicated from more than 2 million

hectares with.

• Infected herds reduced to 28 (down from 689in the year 2000).

• Reductions in livestock TB testing and movementcontrol requirements.

RESEARCH INTO THE USE OF 1080 1080 is one of the most widely researched pest control tools and in recent years there have been extensive investigations into its use by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. It has been proven to be particularly effective in aerial baiting programmes for controlling possums over larger areas of forest or rough terrain that are difficult to access on foot.

There is also strong support for the use of 1080 across the conservation and farming communities. Some people are opposed to its use and we try to work with these groups to explain why and how we use it.

WHY 1080 IS SUITED TO NEW ZEALANDThe use of biodegradable 1080 is ideally suited for NZ conditions as it is particularly effective against mammals – birds are less susceptible. New Zealand doesn’t have any native land mammals (apart from bats which are likely to benefit from 1080 control operations) so it’s possible to target introduced pest species with little harm to native species, unlike elsewhere in the world.

2 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION


HOW WE USE 1080 Hand-laid traps and toxins account for the majority of TB pest management work. The remaining area is controlled by aerial 1080 baiting. There are a number of ground control techniques available to possum control contractors but the key to effective control is using the appropriate method for the job, depending on factors such as the terrain, local wildlife, previous control work and the objective for the area. On difficult country where ground control is impractical or very costly, we use carefully managed aerial 1080 application.

The aerial application of 1080 is the most effective and cost-efficient method for controlling introduced possums and other predators like rats and stoats over large areas with difficult access. 1080 is the only

toxin registered for aerial application that can ensure possum numbers are kept low enough to eradicate TB.

Aerial application enables us to apply the toxic bait over large tracts of forest or other difficult terrain. One application of bait will often suppress possum populations to low levels for five years, so it may take as few as two or three applications to achieve eradication.

MINIMISING THE USE OF 1080 A standard aerial operation uses 2kg of 1080 bait per hectare. That’s about 4–6 baits in an area the size of a tennis court. Each bait has 0.15% sodium fluoroacetate (1080). In a standard 12g bait there is 0.018g (or 18mg) of 1080, which is considered sufficient to kill a possum.

HOW WE FIND AND CONTROL THE TB INFECTION CYCLE

Possums can maintain TB within own population and cause about

50% of herd infection cases.

Pigs, ferrets and sometimes deer get TB from possums but

not from each other.

Surveys of pigs, ferrets and deer help tell us where TB is still

present in possums

The red line tracks the path of TB infection from outside circle, into possum population, circulating and infecting maintenance hosts, with a faint link between ferrets and livestock, where it cycles again.

Possum control breaks the disease cycle in possums and stops them from infecting farmed cattle/deer

TB


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2032

2030

2028

2026

2024

2022

2020

2018

2035

Planned eradication by:

Towards eradication: regional operational focus

The TBfree programme’s operational activities are bringing many areas significantly closer to their planned eradication dates.

The operations open for consultation in this document are part of a national approach to TB management.



2032

2030

2028

2026

2024

2022

2020

2018

2035

Planned eradication by:

Regional plans for TB eradication are focused on the remaining areas of known TB infection in wildlife. These will be systematically treated with possum population control activities along a determined path towards TB eradication, as illustrated in the maps following.

TB Management Areas across New Zealand are shaded on the maps below, with their expected dates of eradication.


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Aerial Operations

Ground Operations

Survey Operations

Proposed operations for 2020The maps on page 6 and 7 outline the disease control activities planned for 2020. Each region has a different disease control focus based on the status of infected herds and wildlife, this is explained on page 8. As outlined in the table below, aerial operations cover about 10% of proposed operational activity. The majority of remaining work involves surveys (50%)

and ground-based pest control making up the balance (40%). For detail on the specific aerial operations proposed, please refer to the page numbers in the tables.

Specific details and operational boundaries are indicative only and may change as a result of further planning and consultation. Final details will be communicated directly to affected parties, and through letters, public notifications, media and ospri.co.nz.



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Aerial Operations

Ground Operations

Survey Operations

CONTROL OPERATIONS AREA COVERAGE 2020

PROPOSED ACTIVITY

NORTH ISLAND

NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND

SOUTHERN SOUTH ISLAND

Aerial operations 146,759 ha 210,000 ha N/A

Ground operations 198,447 ha 423,254 ha 644,498 ha

Survey operations 490,174 ha 430,319 ha 725,150 ha

Total 835,380 ha 1,063,573 ha 1,369,648 ha


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Regional overviews

NORTH ISLAND Extensive surveys for TB in wildlife are planned for the North Island in 2020. Wild pigs and deer will be taken from the Hauhungaroa Range north west of Lake Taupo to provide further assurance TB has been eradicated. Deer and pigs will also be surveyed in the Rangipo and Kaimanawa areas for which there is currently little wildlife TB information. The southern Urewera area will be targeted in pig surveys aimed at proving freedom from disease. Inland Hawke’s Bay will receive a mix of targeted aerial 1080 operations, ground-based control and pig surveys. In Wellington region a new aerial 1080 operation in the northern Tararua will bring this management area into the early phase of TB eradication. Various ground control operations in Wairarapa will either bring areas closer to proof of TB freedom or maintain low possum populations, while pig surveys will be used in the Aorangi Range in the south-east to to provide information to prove TB freedom.

NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND In Tasman District, disease surveys targeting wild pigs in and about the Motueka catchment will be completed as a further step toward confirming freedom from TB. TB eradication progress has been accelerated by major DOC aerial 1080 operations for native species protection in Kahurangi National Park. However further aerial operations are required to target known TB persistence in the Radiant Range, New Creek and Buller South blocks. These will be supported by concurrent ground-based possum control on easier country about Westport, Charleston, Cape Foulwind and along coastal strips to the north. Ground-based possum control will continue in West Coast valleys to protect herds from infection, and to bring some management areas closer to wildlife TB freedom. In North Canterbury and Marlborough, aerial operations will target areas with little previous control in the inland high country, while a mix of ground control and pig survey to the east and in coastal areas will continue good progress towards eradication. A large area of wild pig survey in the upper Hurunui and toward the main divide is aimed at clarifying the uncertain TB status of a large unfarmed wilderness.

SOUTHERN SOUTH ISLAND In central and eastern Otago, large scale ground possum control will continue to address infection risk which has been revealed in previous ferret surveys and by recent livestock TB cases. This includes areas

near Dunedin City. A mix of ground control and ferret survey towards the inland lakes is in response to known or uncertain TB presence. In the Catlins to the south, extensive pig survey is planned to obtain further information needed to confirm TB freedom after a lengthy history of possum control. In western Southland there have been recent wildlife TB cases, and further ferret and possum survey is aimed at clarifying the pattern and extent of TB infection in this area.

Consulting with communitiesThis summary of OSPRI’s planned pest management programme for 2019/2020 has been prepared to help meet requirements for consultation with people and groups interested in or affected by our operations.

The consultation process invites affected parties to express their views, providing advice or addressing their concerns, and giving genuine consideration to what they have to say. Consultation enables informed decision-making by considering different views, although this focuses on the parameters of the operations, not the methodology or the use of 1080. While OSPRI uses 1080 as the only effective and efficient large-scale pest control tool available, it is not responsible for the regulation of the toxin.

The consultation process OSPRI follows to ensure

input from all affected parties is illustrated on page 9.

Opportunities for further consultationAs manager of the TBfree programme, OSPRI is keen to listen to the views of all communities interested in proposed operations. The areas of operation are detailed in the next section of this document, and input is encouraged via the form on page 24 at the back of this document.

Operations aheadAerial TBfree possum control operations are proposed for several areas of the central and lower North Island and coastal and high-country areas of the South Island. Operational specifics are confirmed after consultation and will be communicated directly to affected parties and through appropriate channels including public notifications, media and OSPRI’s website, ospri.co.nz.



http://ospri.co.nz

Aerial operation planning and consultation process

Consult landowners, iwi, affected

parties

Meet land user organisations

Inform regional councils Consult DOC

Risk to herds and TB history

TB eradication

timeline

Wildlife density

Engage landowners, iwi, affected

parties

Design operations

Inform with signage

Review operation

Define boundaries

Confirm timings

Apply stringent

health and safety

practice

Survey and monitor results

Discuss timing

Consider deer repellent Obtain consents

Remove signage

Clear trackComplete

pest control operation

Declare safe, inform and

communicate

Consider feedback

Notify public

Check signage

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INDICATIVETIMELINE

UP TO -24 MTHS

-12 MTHS

-6 MTHS

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+3 MTHS

+6 MTHS


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2020 TBfree Pest Control Operations Consultation case study

CONSULTING WITH COMMUNITIES

Good relationships inform Aorangi’s restoration project

The Aorangi Range on the south eastern tip of the North Island is a treasured hunting area, a recovering sanctuary for native birds and a forest under restoration.

It’s also the site of a nine-year project to eradicate bovine TB in wildlife.

TB eradication is achieved by knocking down possum numbers so they can’t pass the disease to the cattle and deer herds farmed within sight of the impressive range. It also requires a spirit of collaboration, clear consultative communications and hours of hard work.

New Zealand’s TBfree programme, managed by OSPRI, has been able to treat the Aorangi with the full support of local hunters after some open talk and sharing of mutual objectives at the beginning of the TB eradication programme five years ago.

The triple hit on pests in the forest is on track to achieve two big goals:

• TB freedom in possums, hugely valuable for thesurrounding farms which were once a TB hotspotwith 154 infected herds

• A sustainably supported population of native birdsfrom kereru and kaka to kakariki (parakeet) andkorimako (bellbird).

OSPRI’s consultation for the project involved working with the Aorangi Restoration Trust, and the opinions of hunters. The forest supports a treasured red deer herd and deerstalkers were vocal in their support for the use of deer repellent 1080 baits in the two operations (2014 and 2017) so far.

Using repellent baits lowers the number of deer affected in a possum poisoning campaign and numbers typically rebuild within a few breeding seasons. Deer repellent adds significant cost for an aerial operation the size of Aorangi, 33,000 hectares.

Aorangi Restoration Trust’s Clive Paton says the project has huge implications for biodiversity conservation in the area for the next 10 years and lets them progress their goals more quickly.

Apart from the possums targeted by OSPRI, the operations kill ferrets, stoats and rats.

“The place is totally dominated by those animals and really makes it impossible for the birdlife, including the penguins,” he says.

The initiative has evolved because all the agencies have combined their efforts toward similar objectives. Paton says without the Aorangi operations more native species would become extinct in the area.



NORTH ISLAND AERIAL OPERATIONS

2020


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KaipoCentral North Island

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThis control area is situated within Kaimanawa Forest Park. The area lies to the south-east of the Taupo township and extends from the Hinemaiaia Stream in the west and extends to and reaches parts of the Taharua river in the east. The area contains a mixture of steep to very steep native beech forest which is mostly unmodified red beech with a thick understory of pepperwood and other native species.

Most land is DOC managed Public Conservation Land. The well tracked area has several huts that are regularly used by the numerous hunters and trampers who visit throughout the year.

TMA AND ERADICATIONThe Kaipo operation is part of the Hatepe-Kaimanawa TMA. Eradication is inspected in 2030.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONSOSPRI collaborated with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and DOC to undertake deer repellent trials in this area during the last aerial operation in 2016.

A factsheet about the Sika repellent trial is available at www.ospri.co.nz/sika-repellent.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYA TB-infected deer was found in the area in 2011. TB wildlife, pigs in 2014 and 2015 were found in the nearby exotic forest also. A possum monitoring operation in the area in June 2019 indicated a high possum population. Further monitoring is to be completed later in 2019. This operation is part of the eradication program in the central North Island, the last control was completed in 2016.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThis area is covered in native bush on steep and moderate country. For this type of country, it’s more effective to use aerial 1080 control as a cost-effective and a safe option over steep and sometimes dangerous ground.

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http://www.ospri.co.nz/sika-repellent

Te Awahohonu – Ahimanawa Northern Hawke’s Bay

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThis operation joins the Te Awahohonu and Ahimanawa operations to create an operational area of about 26,500 ha.

The Te Awahohonu operational area is predominantly situated over a large multiple-ownership Maori block of the same name. Located approximately 55 km north-west of Napier at Te Haroto, the area extends over both sides of the Napier/Taupo highway encompassing a large area of commercial forestry plus native bush reserves managed by DOC. The terrain is moderate to very steep and access is via private forestry roads that are locked when not in use. The block is used for hunting both deer and pigs and entry is managed through a ballot system for permits.

Adjoining Te Awahohonu on its western side, Ahimanawa/Takahaipo blocks are comprised of both DOC and private trust land with hunting for deer being the main activity. The country is steep, covered with native forest and normal access for hunting blocks is by helicopter. Fishing is also popular in this area. Access within these blocks is hampered by bush damage from a heavy snowfall in 2017.

TMA AND ERADICATIONTe Awahohonu is part of the Tutaekuri-Waitara TB management area (TMA), where eradication is expected in 2027. Ahimanawa is part of the Waipunga TMA, where eradication expected in 2029.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONInitial landowner consultation resulted in the Te Awahohonu and Ahimanawa operations being joined together to reduce the impact on recreational users who use the area.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYTB-infected pigs were found very close to this operational area in 2018 and recent TB has been found in herds in the area. Control here is vital to control the spread of TB throughout the herds and wildlife in the region.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThorough control throughout the operational boundary is required to reach the TB eradication targets. The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and the dense bush cover make aerial 1080 the most effective control method for the area.

NO

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ISLAN

D132020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION

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Northern Tararua Southern North Island

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThe Northern Tararua operational area covers about 42,000 ha from the western side of the Tararua Range near Manakau to the eastern side of the Tararua Range near the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

The southern boundary of the operational boundary is next to DOC’s Tiakina Ngā Manu Project Kākā. OSPRI’s Northern Tararua operation will benefit Project Kākā by removing predators from the Northern sections of the Tararua Forest Park.

Habitat cover within the operational area is a mix of alpine tussock grasslands, sub-alpine shrublands, lowland broadleaf forest with emergent podocarps, and beech forest. Landownership within the block is Department of Conversation estate, state forest land administered by DOC, and private ownership.

TMA AND ERADICATIONThe operation is in the Northern Tararua TMA, and eradication is expected in 2026.

COLLABORATION AND CONSULTATIONEarly consultation and notification with some interested parties has occurred.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYInfected livestock herds, and wildlife (possums and ferrets) were found in the western area of the operational block in the 1990s. Pigs infected with TB were caught in the Otaki Buffer in 2008 and in the Mt Bruce to Mikimiki Crown areas in 2012.

Mt Bruce to Mikimiki Crown was monitored for possum numbers during December 2016, and returned a 26% BMI, 4.33% RTCI equivalent. Population modeling suggests the possum density will be approx. 10% RTCI during 2020.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThorough control throughout the operational boundary is required to reach the TB eradication targets. The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and the dense bush cover make aerial control the most effective control method for the area.

NO

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Timahanga Western Hawke’s Bay

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThe Timahanga operational area is 110 km from the Napier/Taupo (SH5) Road. There is a mix of indigenous forest and manuka/kanuka scrub with some tussock grassland. The terrain is steep and rugged. There is a significant amount of DOC land on the eastern side of the operation. This side touches the bank of the Ngaruroro river. The Taruarau River borders the northern boundary of this control area.

The southern section of this area touches the Ruahine Ranges and reaches to the southern end of the Kaweka Ranges in the north. Cover is mixture of Manuka/Kanuka scrub and native forest. The terrain is moderate to steep with numerous areas with land slips.

TB MANAGEMENT AREA AND ERADICATIONThe area is part of the Timahanga and Ngamatea TMAs where eradication is expected by 2027.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYTB infection was found in a nearby cattle herd in Whanawhana, east of this area. The farm is now clear of infection but DNA strain typing shows the infection was from the Comet/ Sparrowhawk area.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThis steep and rough terrain is most suitably and effectively treated with aerial control.


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Turangi 4BCentral North Island

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThe Turangi operation lies south-east of the Turangi township and is covered in predominantly exotic forests and some native forest. It sits to the north of the Umukarikari Range which is part of DOC’s Battle for our Birds/Tiakina Ngā Manu programme. The true left bank of Tongariro River makes up the south-western boundary of the operation and is frequented by fishermen, trampers and hunters. Most land within the area is owned by land trusts which manage forest assets and in these forests permit-only hunting occurs.

TB MANAGEMENT AREA AND ERADICATIONThe operation is part of the Turangi TMA where eradication is expected in 2024.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONOSPRI has worked with DOC to coordinate control to the benefit of the BFOB programme and further collaboration is likely to occur with ongoing BFOB operations. Major landowners have been advised and met with. Consultation with these groups is ongoing.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYThere are a limited number of herds in this area and none are currently infected. However, in 2014 and 2015 two pigs were identified to be infected with TB.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThe area covers a varied landscape which makes it harder to get effective TB control using ground control. It is safer and more cost effective to use aerial operations for this area.

NO

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Waitara Valley Hawke’s Bay

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREAThe Waitara Valley aerial project in Northern Hawke’s Bay. The western section of the block is made with TB operational areas from the Waipunga and Waitara valley areas. The Waipunga area is primarily native forest while the Waitara Valley strata are a mix of commercial forestry and regenerating native vegetation.

TMA AND ERADICATIONThe operation is part of the Tutaekuri-Waitara TMA where eradication is expected by 2027.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONSConsultation with local landowners and land users has begun and will continue through 2019.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORYThere is currently a TB infected cattle herd in the Waitara Valley. This aerial operation has been brought forward a year in response to the recent TB infection. Infected pigs (4) which have the same DNA as the herd breakdowns have been recovered from nearby habitat.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThorough control throughout the operational boundary is required to reach the TB eradication targets. The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and the dense bush cover make aerial control the most effective control method for the area.

NO

RTH

ISLAN


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NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND AERIAL OPERATIONS 2020



Bush Gully and Tarndale Canterbury/Marlborough

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA These blocks form part of a comprehensive 10-year pest control programme in the Molesworth area. Exact boundaries and timing are yet to be confirmed but are likely to encompass the following areas:

Bush Gully covers about 21,500 ha; Tarndale covers about 40,000 ha and will include areas of the internal block of Molesworth Station. Neither has had aerial 1080 control before.

The Bush Gully aerial block encompasses parts of the Crimea Range and lies to the north and north-west of Hanmer Springs. Major waterways include the Leaderdale, Bush Gully and Five Mile Stream.

Tarndale encompasses land in the areas of the internal block of the Molesworth property including Yarra River, Alma River and Tarndale. A proposed extension to the Tarndale aerial extends down the Wairau river through to Dip flat covering approx. 18,000 ha. The habitat type is predominantly rolling to steep terrain with tussock, native grasses, scrub and bush isolated to patches and gullies. It generally has a dry, draught-prone climate. Tarndale’s habitat type is arid Marlborough grasslands interspersed with patches of scrub and bush.

TMA AND ERADICATION The Bush Gully aerial sits within the Clarence Catchment TMA where TB freedom is expected in 2033. The Tarndale aerial sits within the Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA where TB freedom is expected in 2027. Due to the recent discovery of bovine TB in a local herd determined to be from a wildlife source, there is a requirement to extend the Tarndale aerial block north to include part of the Wairau Waihopai TMA. The expected TB freedom date of Wairau Waihopai is expected to match the Molesworth/ Clarence Reserve.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONS Because of the sensitivities surrounding this operation, the Molesworth Steering Group has been established with representatives from key stakeholders including PAMU, DOC, NZDA, NZGAC and OSPRI. Consultation began in 2018 as this joint operation was due to take

place in 2019 before being put back to 2020. There is strong hunting interest in this area and on-going consultation is being undertaken with hunters and hunting groups including inviting interested parties to provide feedback via the national consultation process.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY The Molesworth/Clarence Reserve and Clarence Catchment TMAs have an extensive history of TB infection in both wildlife and livestock. TB has been found in all surveys, most recently in ferrets and pigs in 2015. Possum control undertaken to date has been sporadic and has not been enough to achieve possum TB freedom throughout the TMAs.

No possum monitoring has taken in place in the Bush Gully or Tarndale operational areas. Possum population is expected to be at carrying capacity as these areas have not been controlled before. The TB prevalence in pigs from within Molesworth Station has consistently been high. TB-infected ferrets have been found in the neighboring Rainbow and Sedgemere areas in 2016, 2017 and 2018 which is indicative of relatively high TB prevalence in possums. The recent herd breakdown is further evidence TB could be present in the possum population.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThis TMA is vast and the potential to miss a cluster of infection is high. Aerial control will ensure no pockets of infection are left behind.

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N SO

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Upper Awatere North and South Marlborough

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA The Upper Awatere North and South operations take in parts of the Muller Station and Middlehurst Station on either side of Awatere Valley.

The country rises from the central ground control block up to the steep sub alpine lands of the aerial block, interspersed by high country streams. Alpine beech bush is more prevalent on the northern side of the Awatere River otherwise, scrub and matagouri predominates.

Awatere North begins at Molesworth Stream up to Saxton Pass and runs west along the ridge towards Shingle Peak. The western boundary follows Castle River down to the foothills where it meets back up with Molesworth Stream. Awatere South begins in the headwaters of the Winterton River and runs along the Inland Kaikoura Range.

Block 1 (south of the Tone River) was controlled June 2019.

TMA AND ERADICATION The area is part of the Molesworth/Clarence Reserve TMA and eradication of TB from possums is expected by 2027.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONS Part of the operation was flown in 2019 with consultation undertaken with NZDA Marlborough and landowners.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY This area has a long history of TB infection in wild animals and livestock. Two local stations have had TB outbreaks and there is a single infected herd at present. There is also a long-standing infected herd located in the neighbouring Clarence Reserve TMA. There are long-lived, infected deer and pigs in the Awatere TMA.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThis TMA is large, rugged and the potential to miss a cluster of infection is high.

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N SO

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Buller South West Coast

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA The Buller South block extends south of Charleston north east to the Buller Gorge and State Highway 6 Westport to Inangahua. It encompasses the Awakiri and the Nile River valleys and extends inland by some 6km to include some of the Paparoa Ranges just west of Mt Euclid but including Buckland Peaks. On the western boundary it is bounded by thick bush and State Highway 6 Westport to Greymouth.

The area is considered Kea habitat so must be carried out before August 2020 to meet performance standard 4 in the Kea Code of Practice.

TMA AND ERADICATIONThe area is part of the Buller Coast TMA, where possum TB freedom is expected by 2023.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONS There is potential for a collaboration with DOC through this operation. It is likely the operational area will increase to take in uncontrolled areas around the periphery to avoid gaps in control between DOC’s Punakaiki operation and TBfree’s Buller South aerial operation.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY The most recent wildlife related infection was in 2015. This area has a significant number of dairy farm units and a few dry stock farms, with dairy increasing annually. Historically, there have been 4 infected herds. Numerous heifers born in 2015 grazing on Landcorp/ PAMU farms in the Buller Coast area have ended up with a local strain of TB. There is high risk of TB infection continuing in this area if there is not continuous effective control which is best achieved through aerial operations.

This area has received control over a long period; both aerial and ground control. It was flown in 2006 and 2011. TB has not been actively looked for in wildlife in recent years as the focus has been possum population reduction where there was evidence of wildlife infection in livestock.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDIt would not be viable to conduct the operations as ground control due to the rugged nature and extent of the terrain.


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New Creek / Mokihinui West Coast

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA NEW CREEK: This operation begins at the Buller Gorge through to the eastern side of the Mt William Range. The western boundary adjoins the Buller North aerial and the northern boundary adjoins the Mokihinui aerial. The northern boundary encompasses the southern end of the Glasgow Range tracking south to encompass part of the Lyell Range. There are approximately 20 properties associated with this operation, most of whom are adjoining landowners. Most of the proposed treatment area is administered by the Department of Conservation. The Old Ghost Road Cycleway runs through the proposed treatment areas. The area is considered kea habitat so work must be carried out before August 2020 to meet performance standard 4 in the Kea Code of Practice.

MOKIHINUI: The operational area covers the area north of Ngakawau river to the Lyell Range, up to the Matiri Range and north to the Mokihinui forest. The Mokihinui river flows through the operational area. The area takes in the hills behind the community of Seddonville which is approximately 2km away from the treatment area. 99% of the area is managed by DOC with some Ngai Tahu Forest Estate. The Old Ghost Road Cycleway runs through the proposed treatment areas. The area is considered kea habitat so must be carried out before August 2020 to meet performance standard 4 in the Kea Code of Practice.

TMA AND ERADICATION The New Creek aerial is in Buller TMA where possum TB freedom is expected by 2027. The Mokihinui aerial is in Mokihinui TMA where TB freedom in possums is expected by 2026.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONS There is potential for the operational area to reduce in size following DOC’s BFOB work in 2019.

RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY TB wildlife has been found within the New Creek block and three herds in and around the New Creek/Mokihinui area have had recent infection supporting the need for aerial control.

The New Creek block was last flown completely in 2016. DOCs Battle For Our Birds programme will cover a significant portion of the New Creek operational area in 2019, meaning the proposed boundary may reduce accordingly in 2020.

The Mokihinui block was last controlled in 2014 and 2016 in response to previous beech mast events. The 2020 aerial will support the neighbouring New Creek and Radiant Range operations and is the third and final aerial before final Proof of Freedom analyses will take place to revoke the VRA status.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDIt would not be viable to conduct this operation as ground control due to the isolated and rugged nature of the terrain. The proposed aerial is the preferred control option for this block as it will provide the best coverage for least cost.

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Radiant Range West Coast

TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA This operation encompasses the Radiant Range in the southern Kahurangi National Park area. It extends eastwards towards Allan Range and Matiri Range. There are no maintained tracks in the Radiant Range block. The Johnson Hut tracks are unmaintained routes. The closest track is the Wangapeka along the northern boundary. There is also a route that runs up onto the Matiri Tops from the Wangapeka Saddle.

The area is considered kea habitat so must be carried out before August 2020 to meet performance standard 4 in the Kea Code of Practice.

The proposed boundary borders the Department of Conservation’s Battle for our Birds work programme and neighbouring TBfree NZ aerial operations. The entire block is DOC land and was last flown in 2016.

TB MANAGEMENT AREA AND ERADICATIONThe operations are part of the Mokihinui TMA where possum TB freedom is expected by 2026.

CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATIONRadiant Range acts as an important ‘gap filler’ supporting DOC’s Kahurangi BFOB programme. OSPRI’s work following the 2019 BFOB mast response will ensure that Kahurangi National Park receives almost blanket coverage – a benefit to both programmes’ operational objectives.

RECENT TB INFECTIONTB-infected possums were captured in the Bush Flat area (behind Karamea) in 2014 proving TB is present in the wildlife in the neighbouring area.

There are no herds within or adjoining the Radiant Range operation, however, Karamea lies just to the northwest and wildlife related infection has been prominent in this area. Tackling the potential source of infection by controlling possum numbers in Kahurangi National Park will support TB freedom in the Karamea area.

OPERATIONAL CONTROL METHOD PREFERREDThis operation will provide protection from possums moving west from the Kahurangi National Park via valley conduits.

The potential possum carrying capacity of the area is high and therefore there is a greater risk that the disease could survive in an isolated and uncontrolled population. Mitigation is to apply coordinated control on adjacent areas, maintaining buffers as necessary to prevent reinvasion.

It would not be viable to conduct the operations as ground control due to the extremely rugged nature of the terrain. The proposed aerial is the preferred control option for this block as it will provide the best coverage for least cost.


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HAVE YOUR SAYWe invite feedback on our 2020 national plan for TBfree pest control operations. OSPRI seeks to consult specifically on the nature, boundaries and timing of proposed operations.

Submissions are invited on the operations proposed in this document not on wider issues such as the purposes of the TBfree programme or the use of 1080 for pest control in New Zealand.

OSPRI encourages engagement with interested communities and those affected by proposed TBfree operations, and invites input until 30 September 2019 through several channels:

• By email to [email protected]

• By post to National TBfree Operations Consultation, PO Box 3412, Wellington 6140

• By phone on 0800 482 463

• By completing the form on the www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say website.

Please use the form below to submit your feedback on any of the proposed pest control operations outlined in this document.

Your submission may become publicly available information. For this reason, please indicate clearly if your comments are commercially sensitive or if, for some other reason, you do not consider that they should be disclosed. Any request for non-disclosure would be considered under the Official Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1993.

Submissions will be used to inform the final proposals.

Name

Position and organisation

Area of interest (farmer, hunter, etc)

Phone

Email

Postal address

1. What is the proposed aerial operation/s you are commenting on?

2. What is the primary subject of your submission?

� Timings of proposed operation

� Rationale for operation

� Impact of business or commercial activity

� General operational concerns

� Other (please state):

3. Please outline your feedback


2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION24

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say

Documents

2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION · to known or uncertain TB presence. In the Catlins to consultation this document. 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION