increase font size
Mycoplasma bovis has now been confirmed on 23 farms.
Mycoplasma bovis infection has now been confirmed in animals on 23 properties, MPI has announced.
All infected properties are under quarantine controls set out in Restricted Place Notices under the Biosecurity Act. These legal controls restrict the movement of stock and equipment on and off those farms to contain the disease.
The regional breakdown is:
Farmers are meeting to discuss a national testing programme to be rolled out across the country. The programme, run by DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industry, involves testing nearly 11,000 herds across 7 regions. Testing involves taking three samples, including two taken by farmers 14 days apart, and having tanker drivers collect the samples and send them to the lab.
Farms that have already been tested in South Canterbury, Southland/Otago and Hastings region will not need to be re-tested.
The roll out of national testing meetings will be as follows;
Feb 7-9 - Central Districts
Feb 13-15 - Areas of Canterbury that have not been tested
Feb 14-15 - Taranaki
Feb 19-21 - West Coast and Northland
Feb 19-22 – Bay of Plenty
Feb 22-23 - Top of the South Island
Feb 26-28 – Waikato
More information: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/mycoplasma-bovis
OPINION: It's no surprise that "world-class biosecurity" continues to dominate as the top priority for agribusiness leaders, holding the number one spot for the 16th consecutive year in KPMG's latest agribusiness report.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
New Zealand's world-first Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is making great strides but this isn't the time for complacency, says Ospri.
A national pest management plan to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) will come into effect by the end of this year.
The Government’s plan to implement a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) for Mycoplasma bovis has been well received by farmers.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?
