There are a number of diseases that affect game animals and hunting, all of which present a significant threat to New Zealand’s biosecurity and that hunters should be aware of.
It is especially important for:
- Hunters who have recently been overseas where diseases are present.
- Overseas hunters recently arrived in New Zealand.
- Those who are advising or guiding overseas hunters.
Please call the MPI hotline (0800 80 99 66) 24/7 to report any suspected pests or diseases and for more information visit Biosecurity NZ’s website.
Bovine tuberculosis (TB)
Hunters may come across wild pigs or deer infected with TB while hunting. It’s important to know how to recognise TB in these animals, and what to do if you suspect an animal is infected.
Learn more at the links below:
- Information and advice for hunters to prevent the spread of TB (OSPRI)
- One-pager TB information for hunters (OSPRI)
- Pocket guide to identifying TB (OSPRI)
African swine fever (ASF)
If you travel to places where ASF is present be certain you have not come into contact with ASF or sick pigs and stay away from healthy pigs for at least five days after travelling. If you have been to areas affected by ASF, make sure you wash or dispose of all clothing, footwear and equipment before you enter New Zealand. Learn more about ASF.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD)
CWD affects deer, elk, reindeer and moose overseas and would significantly impact our deer farm industry and hunting if it entered New Zealand. Contaminated hunting equipment/gear from overseas is a potential pathway for CWD entering New Zealand. Learn more about CWD.
Kauri dieback disease
Kauri dieback is an invasive disease that kills kauri trees. There is no known treatment. It spreads with soil movement, including on footwear and vehicles.
If you hunt in an area with native trees, you can help stop the spread of the disease. Clean soil off your vehicle, footwear and gear after you enter or leave the area. Learn more about kauri dieback (MPI).
Didymo
Freshwater pests, including didymo, could destroy New Zealand’s rivers and lakes.
If you are moving between waterways, you must clean all your gear using the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method. Learn more about didymo (MPI).