Certainty for farmers welcomed
Culling of all cattle infected with Mycoplasma bovis will give farmers much-needed certainty over their futures, says
Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor.
The Ministry for Primary Industries will begin a cull of 22,332 cattle on all properties infected with Mycoplasma bovis
after scientific testing and tracing confirmed the disease was not endemic. This is a critical measure to control the
spread of the disease.
“It has taken some time to get to this point.
“The previous National Government ignored the known deficiencies of the NAIT system and was slow to react to the initial
discovery of Mycoplasma bovis.
“Everyone across New Zealand can understand how incredibly difficult it is for these farmers to lose their herds – many
of these animals will be known individually. While we still have challenges ahead in managing this outbreak, these
families can move forward with their farms and lives.
“MPI is boosting its compensation team to ensure prompt payment.
“Work continues to determine whether we can eradicate or move to long-term management of Mycoplasma bovis,” says Damien
O’Connor.