Foot-and-mouth: Government and industry sign agreement to boost outbreak readiness

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and pigs. Photo / 123RF

A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today.

“The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry will jointly prepare for, and respond to, a possible outbreak – including how costs will be shared,” Hoggard said.

Six industry organisations – DairyNZ, the Dairy Companies Association, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZPork, Deer Industry New Zealand,and the Meat Industry Association – have signed the agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

It will take effect from July 1 this year for five years.

“An outbreak could cost up to $3 billion to eradicate, but doing nothing would be far worse – potentially slashing export values by $14.3 billion per year until it’s controlled,” Hoggard said.

“Through this agreement, we’re locking in a truly collaborative approach.

“Industry will contribute 40% of readiness costs and 15% of response costs – capped at $450m – and in return, they’ll have a formal seat at the decision-making table.”

Hoggard said the agreement reflected years of work and a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand’s vital livestock sector.

“This is a significant and practical step forward for our national biosecurity system.”

More about foot-and-mouth

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that only infects cloven-hooved animals.

In New Zealand, this includes cows, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, alpacas and llamas.

Symptoms include fever and blisters in the mouth and near the hoof.

On its website, MPI said foot-and-mouth is an animal health disease.

“It has no significant health impacts on humans.

“Even though it has a similar name, it differs completely from the human condition, ‘hand, foot and mouth disease’.”

In January, Germany had a foot-and-mouth outbreak in water buffalo on a farm near Berlin – the first in over three decades.

Hungary reported its first cases in 50 years in January.

New Zealand has never had a case of foot-and-mouth disease.