New Zealand’s TB Plan is under review. 

This country has made great progress so far reducing the impact of TB.

But there’s more to do.

The review recommends some changes that will help finish the job of eradicating TB from New Zealand.

Come to a meeting (details below) or find more information and have your say, on the website HOME | tbplanreview

Submissions close 12 October 2025.

TB plan review recommendations

An independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB has found that New Zealand is well on the way to the goal of eradicating TB by 2055.

The TBfree programme has proven tools and methods to control TB, both in herds and possums, and the number of infected herds has been steadily declining.

But experience has shown it’s not possible to achieve or maintain the milestone of zero infections by 2026 until the disease is eliminated from TB infected possum populations. While reservoirs of disease remain in the possum population, there will continue to be outbreaks of reinfection.

1.Timing

The review is proposing a milestone of 2040 to achieve TB freedom in both livestock and possums.

2.Prioritising eliminating TB from possums

To achieve TB freedom by 2040 and eradication by 2055 means intensifying the focus on tackling the remaining hot spots of highly infected possum populations. The review recommends prioritising these areas using the most cost-effective tools, such as aerial 1080 in hard-to-access, steep and remote back country.

3.Long term funding

The sooner New Zealand gets rid of TB in possums and herds, the sooner the cost to farmers can reduce. Current funding from farmer levy organisations and the Government, of $60 million a year, will cover the costs for the next five years. 

Beyond 2031, it’s currently expected there will be a shortfall, but there’ll be a further review of long-term funding before then. It’s too soon to say what the post-2031 requirements will be.

4.OSPRI’s operations

The outcomes of the independent review will be delivered by OSPRI’s TBfree programme.

OSPRI has planned improvements to its operations including more targeted, criteria-based on-farm testing and simplifying the herd status classification system. These operational changes are outlined for feedback in the consultation document.

Have your say

Visit the website www.tbplanreview.co.nz to find out more and have your say