increase font size
Farms under active surveillance are not restricted in moving stock, but biosecurity precautions are vital.
Canterbury and Southland dairy farmers under active surveillance for Mycoplasma bovis should get support and work with their grazier to develop a plan as they send stock to winter grazing, says DairyNZ.
Farms under active surveillance are not restricted in moving stock (unlike those under Notice of Direction or Restricted Place Notice) but biosecurity precautions are vital. About 395 properties are now under active surveillance for M. bovis.
DairyNZ South Island lead Tony Finch says farms under active surveillance should work closely with their grazier to develop a plan which protects them and the grazier.
“With winter fast approaching, planning and preparation is of the utmost importance now,” says Finch.
“Stock can still be sent to grazing but communication is key. Make a plan together and be open and honest.”
A farm under active surveillance has a lower risk that its cattle are infected with M. bovis and, although testing is being done to check for infection such a farm is not under movement restrictions.
“Fewer than 5% of properties under active surveillance go on to have confirmed status, so the risk is low. But careful management remains essential,” said Finch.
“Farmers looking for advice and support are encouraged to contact us. We have staff on the ground who can help answer questions and prepare a plan. Shifting stock requires separate management of multiple mobs, completing NAIT requirements, following biosecurity precautions and record keeping.”
DairyNZ staff can help farmers continue as normally as possible while under surveillance or restrictions.
“Our M. bovis team can help support farmers with managing the herd and forward planning into the next dairy season,” says Finch.
Call DairyNZ on 0800 4 324 7969 or contact a local consulting officer or the Rural Support Trust.
Grazing guidance
Grazing guidance for farms under active surveillance includes:
- Farms with multiple mobs, or from multiple herds, should be kept separately on the home farm and at grazing.
- Have a grazing plan and record keeping which outlines key dates: stock arrival, paddock grazing days, animal health notes.
- Ensure NAIT records are up to date and detail any movements between properties.
- Follow all biosecurity precautions. At a minimum, double fence between mobs, stagger yard use and ensure boundary fences are secure.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.
Animal disease management agency OSPRI has written off nearly $17 million after a botched attempt to launch a new integrated animal disease management and traceability system.
OPINION: DairyNZ's director elections has seen scientist Jacqueline Rowarth re-elected for another three-year term.
Always be on the lookout for new job opportunities and get outside your comfort zone.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
