MPI has begun the cattle cull in its efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis. Photo supplied to NZ Herald by DairyNZ
MPI has begun the cattle cull in its efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis. Photo supplied to NZ Herald by DairyNZ
The Ministry for Primary Industries announced two new properties in the Ashburton area have tested positive for Mycoplasma bovis, which brings the total number of 'active' Infected Properties (IP) to 30.
Fonterra's Head of Farm Source for the Canterbury region, Charles Fergusson spoke to The Country Early Edition's RowenaDuncum saying the increase in properties is not unexpected.
"Finding new infected properties is a concern. It's a concern for individuals, it's a concern for the response but it's not totally unexpected...there is likely to be a few more properties found there but what's been pleasing is that we haven't found this from the widespread testing that's been going on."
National testing is nearly finished, says Fergusson and all Fonterra farmers can expect to get their results back in the next couple of weeks.
MPI has started to cull cows from infected properties and Fergusson says it's tough for farmers involved.
"This is one of the hardest things for a farmer to go through. I know some of our farmers who are going through this have built those herds over years and have got a love for those animals."
Also in today's interview: Fergusson talks about M. bovis compensation, the Te Rapa site's 50th anniversary and how the Farmer's Dairy Diary is now digital.
