Farmers' call
OPINION: Fonterra's $4.22 billion consumer business sale to Lactalis is ruffling a few feathers outside the dairy industry.
"Claims made by Mr Frank Rowson, recently reported in the media, about the cause of the contamination are speculation and not helpful in assisting the investigation," NZVA President Dr Steve Merchant (pictured) says.
Last week's front page story in the Straight Furrow, headlined "Vet links GE feed, sprays to botulism", reported Rowson's suspicion botulism causes unexplained deaths in New Zealand livestock, and ran a string of MPI e-mail responses.
The NZVA says Rowson, who was described as a vet and farm consultant in the article, is not a registered veterinarian or NZVA member.
"He does not represent the views of the veterinary profession or that of the NZVA. We are dealing with a complex scientific issue and we need to bring together the relevant scientific expertise in New Zealand to ensure the investigation leads to a successful resolution," said Dr Merchant.
