The number of cattle and deer herds infected with bovine tuberculosis is at a record low.

The Animal Health Board, which tests and monitors TB nationally, says there is now 91 cattle herds and seven deer herds infected with TB.

That’s 31 fewer herds, or 25% less, than a year ago.

Technical manager Paul Livingstone says this is the first time the number of infected herds has fallen below 100. He says it’s a big step towards herds in New Zealand becoming TB-free.