M. bovis arrives in Northland

Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) says a dry stock beef farm has tested positive for the disease, the first infected property declared in the region.

The farm, as with all other infected properties, was identified through the tracing of animals movements from known infected farms and is under a Restricted Place legal 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.

MPI says it will not be publically naming the farm and neighbours who share a boundary with the infected property have been notified. The risk to neighbouring farms is very low.

It says as part of the Government and sector group programme to eradicate the disease, all infected groups of cattle on the farm will ultimately be culled, in agreement with the farmer concerned around timing.

“The Response continues to make progress, with a total of 30 farms having been cleaned and depopulated, and now moving forwards with their farming business.”

MPI is planning a public meeting for next week in Northland and further information on the location and time will be released in the next few days. 

“Keep an eye on the MPI Facebook page for event details,” it says.

MPI also says this is a good opportunity for farmers to check that they have robust biosecurity practices in place. 

Some simple steps farmers can take include:

- Carefully consider the disease status of new stock before animals are bought or moved

- Ensure visitors clean and disinfect their equipment, clothing and footwear upon arrival to your farm

- Ensure boundary fences are secure and prevent nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring stock

- Provide young calves with special protection, allowing only essential people in the calf shed

“This is a really tough time for all the affected farmers who find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own. MPI, Rural Support Trusts, and industry are supporting them but they will also need support from their neighbours and the wider Northland community,” MPI says.