Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease. It can affect a wide range of animals. In New Zealand, cattle and deer are the species most at risk of contracting the disease. Regular TB testing of cattle and deer herds forms the basis for controlling the disease.

New Zealand’s Biosecurity Act 1993 and the Biosecurity National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Strategy (NBTPMS) requires that only an Inspector, Authorised Person or Accredited Person can apply an approved tuberculosis (TB) test to deer or cattle.

Organisations or individuals wishing to TB test cattle or deer as part of the NBTPMS must have completed a recognised qualification in TB testing, and demonstrated ongoing competency in this process at least every three years.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has developed a TB Testing Quality Assurance Scheme to ensure that veterinarians involved in tuberculosis (TB) testing consistently meet the specifications for the control and testing of TB in New Zealand. 

For qualified TB testers - renewals

If you have completed the TB Testing Quality Assurance Scheme and are looking for the TB testers manual please click here. You’ll need to be logged into the NZVA website to view this area.

For information on the programme

For more information about our deer and cattle TB Testing Quality Assurance Scheme, including costs, please get in touch with us by filling out the contact form below.

For more information about New Zealand’s TB eradication programme visit the TBfree New Zealand website.