Mycoplasma bovis found on three farms after bulk milk testing

Bulk milk testing from all dairy farms has confirmed Mycoplasma bovis infection on three farms, the Ministry for Primary Industries' latest stakeholder update says.

All three properties had previously known links to the bacterial cattle disease. Another 51 farms would be further investigated as part of routine surveillance while testing was yet to be completed from about 50 farms that calved later in the season.

Testing would begin shortly after calving because the bacteria was more likely to be shed during times of stress, such as after calving and the start of lactation, the update said.

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MPI was preparing to host meetings throughout New Zealand, for directly-affected farmers, about the eradication programme.

Meetings would be held at the North Star in Oamaru on April 11 and the Corinthian Convention Centre in Invercargill on April 12.

The update said farmers would be talked through the new national plan for eradication, and where MPI's work was to date.

Questions and feedback on the programme, and farmers' individual experiences, would then be taken.

There would be a separate meeting for farmers under active surveillance, other farmers and members of the public immediately following those meetings.