Listen: M. bovis eradication - 'It won't happen overnight...'

The Mycoplasma bovis response continues, with 41 properties currently listed as infected.

Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay about the response, saying that although the pattern of spread is "as we predicted" it is still a learning experience for everyone involved.

"We are learning all the time. We are finding new properties. [There are] discoveries all the time, but we believe we're on track for that eradication. It won't happen over night, but it will happen over time."

O'Connor defends the performance of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), saying "they're learning every day," with "robust discussions ... on the ground with ICP managers all the way through to Wellington."

"It's a stretch for everyone but we've got to give this the best shot and we're doing as much as we can."

Also in today's interview: Damien O'Connor talks about the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final and Mackay challenges O'Connor on the Government's Kiwi Build scheme, saying it is "a crock."