A property within the newly-identified Mycoplasma bovis control zone has tested positive for the cattle disease.
Last week, it was announced the Wakanui area of Mid-Canterbury will face strict biosecurity measures, including a Controlled Area Notice (CAN), to eliminate a pocket of infection in the area.
M. bovis programme director Simon Andrew today confirmed a beef property in the red area of the CAN is infected.
"We are also undertaking testing on another property in the area which is likely to be confirmed infected in the coming weeks," he said.
The CAN, which comes into force on October 13, is a precautionary measure to restrict the movement of cattle in an effort to stop M. bovis circulating in the area.
It coincided with the planned depopulation of a nearby feedlot, which Andrew said was an important step toward eradication.