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Kimberly Crewther.
The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) says it would be “deeply concerning” if any legal breaches contributed to the arrival of Mycoplasma bovis in NZ.
DCANZ was responding to news that warranted officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ compliance investigations team had searched three properties during the M.bovis response.
“Biosecurity rules are in place for good reason and there is absolutely no excuse not to follow them” said DCANZ executive director Kimberly Crewther.
“DCANZ supports MPI fully investigating alleged legal breaches. We will also support MPI taking strong compliance action if the current investigation determines this should occur.”
DCANZ said the arrival of M.bovis and the consequent biosecurity response was affecting many people and animals. If not eradicated it would incur long-term costs for farmers and regions.
“The absence of many pests and diseases that are present elsewhere in the world makes NZ a special place to live and underpins successful agriculture, horticulture and tourism industries. It is important that we all take biosecurity protection seriously.”
MPI officers simultaneously searched properties in the North and South Islands on March 27. Its manager of compliance investigations, Gary Orr, said the searches related to possible breaches of legislation related to the M.bovis response.
“We recognise there is strong interest in the rural sector concerning how M.bovis may have entered NZ,” Orr said.
MPI will tell farmers the results as soon as it can.
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