Mycoplasma bovis - testing rolls out for dairy herds

Dairy companies, industry groups and MPI are working together rolling out a national testing programme for Mycoplasma bovis.

While there is no indication that M bovis is present beyond where it has already been found, this programme will give MPI the information it needs to decide next steps.

This programme involves testing nearly 11,000 herds across seven regions. Testing involves taking three samples, including two taken by farmers 14 days apart, and having tanker drivers collect the samples and send them to the lab.

In order to get the testing kits (chilly bin, jug, ice pack, vials) to farmers as quickly and efficiently as possible, information meetings are taking place across the country over the next four weeks.

Beginning this week, each company will be inviting their farmers to upcoming meetings in their region. They will include presentations by a dairy company, MPI and Dairy NZ.