NZ Uses Drone and Thermal Imaging Tech to Boost Bovine TB Eradication Efforts

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the Government is trialling thermal imaging drones to monitor possum populations, the main spreaders of bovine tuberculosis (TB), in challenging terrains like Central Otago. This technology enables more efficient, targeted possum control by accessing remote areas and reducing the high costs and difficulties of traditional methods such as trapping and helicopter operations. The initiative aims to enhance TB eradication efforts, protecting farmers and taxpayers by ultimately reducing possum numbers to a level where the disease cannot persist.