M. bovis Eradication Programme strategy and approach
The programme strategy is to achieve nationwide eradication. Our approach focuses on 3 main areas:
- find
- contain
- control.
Finding disease
The programme finds disease through tracing, national surveillance, and testing.
Tracing
We trace the movements of cattle from affected properties to new farms, and identify farms at risk due to proximity and owner relationships.
National surveillance
We identify additional infected properties through national surveillance screening that tests our national dairy and beef and drystock herds. It helps us find a small number of infected farms not captured through animal movement tracing, and gives us assurance that infection is not widespread around New Zealand.
Learn more about bulk tank milk screening
Learn more about beef and drystock cattle surveillance
Testing
We carry out testing to screen for disease (national surveillance), and on-farm testing to confirm presence or absence of disease.
Containing and controlling disease
Disease spread is managed by taking appropriate measures for properties that are identified – through tracing, screening, and testing – at risk or infected.
Measures include:
- movement controls, restricting cattle moving on and off the farm
- depopulation
- cleaning and disinfection, and stand down period.
Movement controls stay in place until either:
- testing shows that the herd is not infected
- infected properties are depopulated, then cleaned and disinfected.
We consult with individual farmers on the timing for a depopulation (cull). This is to try to minimise their production costs where possible. For example, we might delay culling until the end of the milking season.
Learn more about how we contain and control M. bovis
Information and resources
The M. bovis Eradication Programme has created information for farmers, veterinarians, and the wider agricultural sector to stay updated on M. bovis in New Zealand.
Our industry partners also have M. bovis resources.
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