Date submitted: 30 November 2009
Submitted to: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity

The New Zealand Conservation Authority supports the continuation of funding to the Animal Health Board to prevent the spread of bovine Tb.

The control of possums and other wildlife vectors as part of the programme has additional perceived side benefits for New Zealand through greater forest health. This in turn can provide multiple economic benefits including heightening New Zealand’s attraction as a tourist destination.

However the Authority is aware that the Tb programme has not been scientifically monitored for biodiversity benefits (in contrast to conservation-focused possum control programmes), so most evidence to date has been anecdotal.

The Authority recommends that Government require the Animal Health Board to begin monitoring for changes in forest health so that future reviews can identify more comprehensively and authoritatively the full range of benefits that may accrue to New Zealand from this investment.