MPI investigation finds 'concerning' instances
The first phase of a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices has been completed.
Eight are in the North Island and 29 in the South; 21 are beef farms, 14 dairy and two are “others”.
Including those infected farms, 58 farms are now listed as restricted places (RP).
Notices of direction (NODs), which restrict some movement of stock from farms and are usually applied to farms where test results are pending, are in place on 190 properties.
A Biosecurity NZ map of the M. bovis spread indicates that only the Bay of Plenty and Marlborough remain free of the disease, with neither RP notices nor NODs in force.
Taranaki and the South Island’s West Coast have farms under NODs but as yet no confirmed infection. MPI says 70 - 80% of NOD farms do not go on to prove infected.
Meanwhile, MPI says the eradication programme continues, with 30 farms now cleaned and depopulated, and free to resume operation with new stock.
MPI is telling farmers to check that they have robust biosecurity practices. Simple steps farmers can take include:
• carefully consider the disease status of new stock before animals are bought or moved
• ensure visitors clean and disinfect their equipment, clothing and footwear upon arrival at your farm
• ensure boundary fences are secure and prevent nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring stock
• provide young calves with special protection, allowing only essential people in the calf shed.
First Northland case
Biosecurity NZ has confirmed a property in Northland has tested positive for M. bovis.
Although several farms in the region are under a notice of direction (NOD) – usually applied to farms where test results are pending -- it’s the first time the disease has been confirmed in Northland.
Two weeks ago the Tasman district was found to have an infected farm -- the region’s first.
Northland’s infected property is a drystock beef farm. It was identified by tracing animal movements from known infected farms. It is now under a ‘restricted place’ notice under the Biosecurity Act 1993 -- in quarantine lockdown which restricts the movement of animals and other risk goods on and off the farm.
Biosecurity NZ is not publicly naming the farm but neighbours who share a boundary with it have been notified. It says the risk to neighbouring farms is very low.
All infected groups of cattle on the farm will ultimately be culled.
