The Country’s Mycoplasma Bovis Eradication Programme Is Moving Into A New Phase

The country’s Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is moving into a new phase with the MPI confirming that the programme to eradicate the cattle disease will now be managed by Ospri (Operational Solutions for Primary Industries), a non-profit company, from November. The ministry along with programme partners Beef and Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ will monitor progress. Kelvan Smith, an independent chairperson of the M bovis governance group, says Ospri’s role will include testing farms, managing the one currently active confirmed property in Canterbury and any newly detected farms, cleaning and disinfection, and farmer support. He says MPI will retain aspects of the programme, including compensation, and any necessary compliance action.