11. JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) Link to this
to the Minister of Agriculture
What recent steps has the Government taken to control bovine TB?
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) Link to this
Earlier this week I was pleased to confirm that the Government would commit $30 million annually, for the next 5 years, to manage bovine tuberculosis. This ensures that the good work of the national pest management strategy will continue and that we can make significant progress in controlling this damaging disease. Failure to do that places at risk our trade access to many valuable offshore markets.
The Bovine Tuberculosis National Pest Management Strategy is a true industry - Government partnership. On top of the $30 million annual contribution from the Crown the beef, dairy, and deer industries commit $45 million, and regional councils around $7 million. In total, $82 million is available each year to fund what is the world-leading tuberculosis management programme.