M. bovis plan on track
New Zealand's world-first Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is making great strides but this isn't the time for complacency, says Ospri.
It’s been two years since NZ decided to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.
Agriculture and biosecurity minister Damien O’Connor believes that the latest technical data shows the programme is on track.
“Two years ago, the Government, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand and industry partners committed to a 10-year, $880 million programme to eradicate M. bovis to protect our most important sector and the economy.”
O’Connor claims if the disease had been left to run rampant, he’s unsure whether the dairy and beef sectors would have been able to weather the economic storm of COVID-19 and the challenges of drought conditions.
“These sectors are now well-placed to lead us out of this economic crisis.”
O’Connor says he is proud of the farming community and they should be proud of themselves too.
“We currently have 17 active properties and 232 that have been cleared of the disease. We’ve culled 154,788 cattle.
O’Connor says the priority over the next 12-18 months will be continuing to find and eliminate the disease.
“We will get another technical advisory group report in the coming months, but two years into a 10-year effort, I’m pleased by the progress made.”
To view the most recent M. bovis facts and figures visit: https://www.mbovis.govt.nz
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.