The TB plan uses a combination of TB testing, possum control and stock movement restrictions to manage the disease in farmed cattle and deer.
The programme has proved that eradication in possums (the main transmitter of TB to farmed livestock) is feasible, with results in challenging proof-of-concept areas such as the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto Ranges near Taupo.
TB and its management has been a thorn in the side of New Zealand's farmers since the disease arrived in New Zealand in the middle of the 19th century with cattle and deer.
New Zealand has used TB control measures ever since, and all cattle and deer herds are regularly TB tested, with compulsory slaughter of test-positive cases and partial quarantine of infected herds.
Any disease creates a potential risk to the marketability of New Zealand beef, dairy and venison exports make up a substantial portion of the primary sector and 50per cent of New Zealand's total export earnings.
TB is being systematically eradicated but has persisted in some regions such as the West Coast of the South Island, the Wairarapa and the central North Island.
Changes for farmers under the new plan will not be immediate, but as each geographical area is proven free of disease, frequency of testing will reduce. However, there is still a time lag. As an example, areas that became Vector Free Areas in June this year will likely have their testing frequency change next year.
Risk-based assessment will guide the frequency of TB testing for livestock according to the age of animals, the location of the herd, the stock movements into the herd and the herd's TB history.
Pest control is also moving to a risk-based approach. Three key factors contribute to assessing the TB risk to herds: areas that pose the most risk of herd infection because of the number of possums and presence of TB in wildlife; the expected time an area will take to eradicate; the area's infection rate.
Aside from the goal of full eradication, the reviewed approach brings other benefits: It costs less - $60 million, down from $80 million, and funding has been approved by government and shareholders - farmer-led organisations DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb, Deer Industry NZ and livestock export industry. Along with reduced testing for low-risk herds, an accelerated timeline means farmers can benefit sooner from a reduced risk of disease.
So while changes to day-to-day work practices will come about slowly, the solid field-research based programme is tracking well towards the goal of a TB-free New Zealand.
- To find out more, read the factsheet on the plan to tackle TB at ospri.co.nz