Changes to the TSE Surveillance Program

Important changes to the TSE Surveillance Programme

In May 2007 New Zealand was advised that its BSE status was revised to negligible risk. New Zealand has moved to type B surveillance as specified by the OIE.  This has meant a significant reduction in the number of points that we need to maintain this status.

The participation of veterinary practitioners in the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) surveillance incentive programme has been a vital component in achieving this status.

The TSE surveillance incentive programme has been reviewed to assess its appropriateness and sustainability in continuing to demonstrate New Zealand’s freedom from TSE’s.

MAF are required to operate a GST compliant system. To receive payment, veterinary practitioners must submit a GST invoice, itemising each laboratory case number and providing the direct credit details for payment, along with the following:

  • A copy of the completed and signed TSE submission form
  • A copy of the laboratory histology report

The following changes will apply from the 1st November 2008

Changes to the incentive payments are described in TSE incentive payments.

We no longer require a copy of the laboratory submission form.  All details should be on the TSE submission form. which can also be used as a laboratory submission form.

A maximum of two (2) samples per farm per year may be submitted through the TSE surveillance incentive programme.  Where a practioner has concerns about an individual case, but the sampling threshold has been met for the year, the practioner should contact IDC on 0800 80 99 66.  For farms where more than five (5) samples have been submitted during the last twelve (12) months, that farm is ineligible for further samples for two (2) years from the date of the last submission.

Provision of incomplete information on the TSE or laboratory submission forms will result in delayed or non payment of invoices.

Farmers must check, correct, sign and return the proforma invoice sent to them by MAF to receive payment.

There are new TSE surveillance submission forms Link to PDF document (108 KB) available. If you have any questions or require any further information please contact Lachlan Mcintyre, 04 8940846.

Page last updated: 14 October 2008