MAF takes over TB scheme - a reply

Authors: Wilson P
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 10, pp 176, Oct 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Biosecurity, Disease control/eradication, Epidemiology, Mycobacterial, Disease/defect, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Veterinary profession, Public health
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: I refer to the letter by Joe Tyndel “MAF takes over TB scheme” (N.Z. vet. J. 34: 138). While not disagreeing with the sentiment of Dr Tyndel`s letter which is a welcome first public correspondence about MAF moves towards commercialisation, I do wish to correct a major inaccuracy contained in the letter. Dr Tyndel states “. . When TB control in deer and other potential carriers is being shelved if not totally buried...”. I find this comment remarkable, given the advanced stages of implementation of a TB control scheme for farmed deer. TB control in the New Zealand farmed deer herd has been progressing during the last eight years, to a point where the accreditation programme was introduced a little over 12 months ago. In 1985 178,788 TB tests were performed and, with the promotion the scheme has been given by the Deer Farmers` Association, the practising profession and MAF, this number should be greatly exceeded during 1986. A number of deer farms are now accredited TB-free. New Zealand`s deer TB Control Programme is undoubtedly the most advanced in the world…

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