Friday, 02 June 2023 08:55

More testing as M. bovis resurfaces

Written by  Staff Reporters
CRV operations manager Andy Medley says it has rigorous production processes and health testing programmes in place within its supply chain. CRV operations manager Andy Medley says it has rigorous production processes and health testing programmes in place within its supply chain.

As Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) resurfaces in Canterbury, CRV is reassuring dairy farmers it has rigorous production processes and health testing programmes in place within its supply chain.

The company's operations manager Andy Medley says farmers put a lot of trust in CRV to help them protect the health and well-being of their animals.

"It's a responsibility we don't take lightly. That's why we have strict quality assurance testing in place to make sure we minimise any risk against diseases like M. bovis and give farmers peace of mind."

In the latest update, the Ministry for Primary Industries M. bovis programme announced it has cleared a property and identified a new active confirmed property.

"Although this new case means there is currently only one farm known to be infected, we are halfway into a 10-year programme and it is likely more infected properties will be identified before eradication is achieved," MPI says.

The new confirmed infected property neighbours a property with strong links to the Wakanui cluster in mid-Canterbury.

MPI says the programme is continuing to investigate the infection source and is working with the farmer to depopulate the property in a way which minimises disruption as much as possible.

"As a result of the new infected property, the programme will also be tracing animal movements and other risk events. This will likely see an increase in the number of farms under movement restrictions while the programme ensures the risk of disease spread is mitigated."

MPI is also urging farmers to contact their semen supplier if they are planning to use bovine semen imported into New Zealand before April 2022.

Changes were made to protocols in April last year which requires all imported semen to be treated with antibiotics and tested to minimise the risk of M. bovis.

CRV says it recently obtained another three-year Telarc certification for the collection, processing, freezing and storage of bovine semen.

"This demonstrates we are working to globally recognised quality assurance standards," says Medley.

"The biosecurity standards at our EU approved production and logistics facility in the Waikato are some of the highest in the country. All our bulls undergo a number of disease tests while in a secure quarantine location."

As a global leader in dairy genetics, CRV does import semen for some customers who want to use overseas genetics to fast track their herd's genetic gain.

"These products go through an even more rigorous quality assurance process than those produced in New Zealand," says Medley.

"Following the initial M. bovis outbreak in 2017, we have continued to test all batches of semen for M. bovis in the country of origin."

Medley says while CRV can provide the necessary assurances to its customers concerning the semen products it supplies, he encourages farmers to continue to take all the precautions they would normally take when managing biosecurity within their own farming operations.

More like this

Autumn calf rearing done right can deliver benefits

Autumn calves are born in kinder conditions than what their spring cousins enjoy. But it takes a careful nutrition regime and a close eye on growth targets to capitalise on the opportunity nature, through pasture, offers this time of year.

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Featured

NZ growers lead freshwater compliance

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.

Case IH partners with Meet the Need

Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.

25 years on - where are they now?

To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.

National

Top ag scientist to advise PM

A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.

Machinery & Products

Hose runner saves time and effort

Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Science fiction

OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…

Bye bye Paris?

OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter