The move comes as four more farms, including one in the North Island, have tested positive for the disease. Another property is strongly suspected to have the disease too.
The Ministry for Primary Industries says one of the latest infected properties is in the Hastings district, the other three are within a farming enterprise in Winton. The suspect property is near Ashburton.
MPI's director of response, Geoff Gwyn says early indications are that all the properties have links with the Van Leeuwen Dairy Group (VLDG) through cattle movements.
The disease was first detected on a VLDG farm in South Canterbury in July; the bacterial infection spread to other farms belonging to the same company; 21 properties are still under quarantine restrictions.
Gwyn says the Hastings and Ashburton properties were identified through MPI’s tracing programme and the Winton property was identified through the industry milk testing programme.
“All of the movements we have been tracing are prior to 21 July, when the disease was first detected and notified to MPI. “The Hastings and Winton properties are now under a Restricted Place Notice under the Biosecurity Act. This effectively places them in quarantine lockdown - restricting the movement of animals and other risk goods on and off the farm. The suspect property is under voluntary movement controls until their status is confirmed. MPI is working closely with them.”
O’Connor says he’s “deeply disappointed’’ by the new detections.
“The fact the disease has been found in the North Island is disappointing to me and, no doubt, will be for farmers too,’’ O’Connor says.
O’Connor says officials are working hard to track the disease. “We are still unable to identify the source of the disease and that concerns me.”
O’Connor says he will meet with officials to discuss the next steps in dealing with the outbreak.
“I understand this is tough for farmers, people working on these properties and people in these close-knit communities, but everyone is working hard to find solutions.’’
