Mycoplasma bovis cattle cull hits 32,000 mark

Over 32000 cows have been culled because of mycoplasma bovis.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has culled 32,561 cattle from dairy herds — none of them in Northland — since the response to Mycoplasma bovis began a year ago.

Nationally, the number of "active" infected properties as of yesterday was 39 — two at Cambridge in the Waikato, one at Pahiatua in the Manawatu, two at Hastings in Hawke's Bay, one in the Wairarapa, 18 in Canterbury, four in Otago and 11 in Southland.
"Active" infected properties have yet to have their cattle culled, premises cleaned, and have stock movement restrictions lifted.

Sound advice on how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you spot any of these unusual signs.

Culling has been carried out on 17 other infected properties — 10 in Canterbury, four in Southland, two in Otago and one in Hawke's Bay. Cleaning, disinfecting and a 60-day stand down has taken place on these properties and stock movement controls have been lifted.

It is early days, however the response is making good progress and we're working towards our goal of phased eradication.

There are no infected properties in the Northland region. The latest number of infected properties by region is on the MPI website: http://mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/mycoplasma-bovis/situation-report/

There is one property under a restricted place notice (RPN) in Northland. RPNs are issued to properties that are believed to have, or are suspected of having Mycoplasma bovis present.

The RPN prohibits all unauthorised movements of stock and other risk goods on to and off the farm to minimise the likelihood of the disease spreading from the property.

There are four properties under Notices of Direction (NoD) in Northland. An MPI spokesman said it was important to note the clear majority of properties under a NoD did not end up testing positive for Mycoplasma bovis.

NoDs are issued to farms when an inspector or authorised person considers that movement of stock and other risk goods from a property poses a risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis. For example, this can be when animals from infected properties have been moved to that property but testing has not yet taken place or results of testing are pending.

NoDs are also issued when specific directions need to be given, for example to cull stock.

The MPI spokesman told The Country the past year had been really challenging for farmers and rural communities, particularly those directly affected by the disease.

"We're working closely with our industry partners and affected farmers to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis from New Zealand and to provide support for those farmers, their families and their communities," he said.

"It is early days, however the response is making good progress and we're working towards our goal of phased eradication."

Information for farmers, including advice regarding good on-farm biosecurity, is available on the MPI website: http://mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/mycoplasma-bovis/advice-on-mycoplasma-bovis/advice-about-mycoplasma-bovis-for-farmers/