Introduction

The common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula has long been identified with the destruction of New Zealand's indigenous forests. More recently the species has also been blamed for economic losses in exotic plantings, in catchment plantings, and in improved pastures and fodder crops. Perhaps most devastatingly, possums have also been identified as a reservoir of leptospirosis and as both a vector and reservoir of bovine tuberculosis (Tb) Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis; the latter from such scattered areas as the central North Island, Wairarapa, Westland, Methven, Banks Peninsula, and Southland (Fig. 1).

The progressive reduction of bovine Tb amongst New Zealand cattle has led inevitably to the need to "control" farm-dwelling, tuberculous possum populations. However, traditional methods of possum control have often proven unsatisfactory in the elimination of the disease from possum populations although dramatic changes in control planning have taken place.

The present paper outlines the history, function and funding of possum control agencies in New Zealand and examines the cost and success of individual control operations.

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