Mycoplasma Bovis found on Pahiatua farm

Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott.

Cattle on a farm in Pahiatua in the Tararua district, believed to have had a connection with a Hawke's Bay property, are the latest to test positive for the disease Mycoplasma Bovis.

MP for Wairarapa Alastair Scott said he was deeply concerned after the disease was confirmed last week.

"I've been informed that testing on a farm near Pahiatua was undertaken after National Animal and Identification Tracing (NAIT) records showed a connection with an infected property in Hawke's Bay.

'People working between properties need to clean their boots and farm equipment.'

"Farmers across the region need to know this type of information so that they can take proactive measures to protect their animals. The MPI response to date has been feeble. It is not good enough," Mr Scott said.

"This finding will be devastating to our local cattle breeders and dairy farmers. Cattle breeders work their whole lives to develop and nurture their bloodlines. This will be a very stressful time for them.

"The property owner took the responsible measure of holding a meeting to update neighbours on the situation and the actions being taken.

"Until the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) can provide more detail and confirm that these cases have been contained, I urge all landholders to act with vigilance.

"Expert advice is to limit livestock movements and ensure boundary fences are secure. It's important that everyone maintains up-to-date NAIT and animal movement records. People working between properties need to clean their boots and farm equipment.