It is the first infection in the Golden Bay area for more than 10 years.
OSPRI National Disease Manager Kevin Crews said the infection was detected in about two per cent of the cows in a medium-sized dairy herd during routine testing in January. It was under investigation.
«Infection was confirmed by blood tests in mid-February, and the reactors slaughtered showed grossly typical TB lesions,» he said.
OSPRI has restricted animals from moving on or off the infected herd’s property and it is consulting closely with the farmer and neighbours.
With careful management, TB can be contained and eradicated from any herd, he said.
While an in-depth breakdown investigation is progressing, Crews said the infection is suspected to have been introduced by an animal from outside the area. Interim findings from the breakdown investigation would be available in two weeks.
Tasman district TBfree chairman Roy Bensemann said news of an infection was always hard to hear and it would be «really tough» for the farmer.
«People must feel for the farmer – nine times out of 10, an infection is not the farmer’s fault,» he said.
«We know the road to eradication is the right one and we’re making great progress towards it. But we also know that there will be the odd infection on the way – it doesn’t mean the programme is a failure.
«It can and will be managed until the farm is clear of infection, but this is part of the process towards eradication.»
Source: Stuff
Link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/dairy/90102488/tb-infection-under-management-in-golden-bay-dairy-herd
