April 28, 2023

New Zealand declares mycoplasma bovis eradicated from last remaining farm

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries said that the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis has been eradicated from last remaining farm in the country, although the eradication campaign is far from over, according to RNZ.

Over 183,000 cattle have been culled from 278 farms in New Zealand since the disease was detected in 2017.

The animals were removed from the farm on Banks Peninsula at the end of February, and the cleaning and disinfection process was completed this week.

The 60-day standdown period is nearly up, and the Restricted Place notice is set to expire next week.

Simon Andrew, director of the mycoplasma bovis eradication initiative, said while the revocation of this property represents positive progress towards eradication, it does not mean the task is finished.

Andrew said they are halfway through a 10-year Programme and will continue with extensive background surveillance for several years to ensure New Zealand is mycoplasma bovis free.

He said farmers should remain diligent with NAIT and record animal movements, as well as ensuring the health history of any stock coming onto their property.

-      RNZ