Farmers should stay calm over a new South Island outbreak, says DairyNZ.
More than a dozen cows in South Canterbury have been found to have mycoplasma bovis, a disease which has never been seen in New Zealand before.
It can cause a range of health issues for the animal including mastitis, abortion, pneumonia and arthritis.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle spoke to Jamie Mackay saying farmers should stay calm about the disease and that "MPI are on the job."
"The key thing right now to do is everything we can to contain this and make sure it doesn't get away on us."
Dr Mackle says it is not a disease that affects humans and it is really an animal welfare and production issue.
If farmers have any concerns about mycoplasma bovis Dr Mackle says they can call MPI on 0800 80 99 66
Listen to the full interview in the Soundcloud embed below: