NZ nears Mycoplasma bovis eradication milestone
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
MPI boss Ray Smith has appealed to all those involved in food and beverage processing to be meticulous about hygiene.
He says people working in these essential industries during the COVID-19 crisis are doing an amazing job. Smith emphasises that it is so important for them, and New Zealand, to observe the new and much higher health standards.
He says in meat processing plants and packhouses people need to abide by the social distancing rules, but if for any specific reasons they can’t he says they should limit these to a minimum and document them.
“In a packhouse you might have 500 people in it to maintain level a of production. The meats works are covered by specific protocols and the dairy industry has quite sophisticated, large operations,” Smith told Rural News.
“The hygiene factors in these areas are so high that introducing additional measures is something they have taken to quite well.”
Smith reiterates the need for washing hands and keeping hands away from your face. He also points out that it is important for workers to stay in their bubble if they have a bubble at home and bubble at work – and not to introduce anyone else into those bubbles.
“That’s when you run the risk of not being able to trace the disease and risk contamination,” he says.
MPI says is getting its messages out through its website, other industry organisations and the rural media.
Smith says he doesn’t underestimate the communication challenge the rural community is facing – especially with variable quality broadband and lack of cell phone communication in some areas.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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