Strategic Science Advisory Group (SSAG)

Role of the M. bovis science advisory group

On 28 May 2018, the Government announced it was investing up to $30 million over 2 years into science to support the eradication of the cattle disease M. bovis from New Zealand.

The Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group (SSAG) was established soon after to help identify science priorities and develop a science plan to guide research funding decisions. Members of the SSAG include domestic and international expert scientists, vets and government representatives.

Science plan will help speed up eradication

Released in October 2018, the M. bovis science plan’s objective is to identify the highest-priority science needed to eradicate the disease from New Zealand.

It builds on existing knowledge about the M. bovis bacteria and disease, and knowledge from the dairy and beef sectors and the response teams.

The science plan was developed with input from local and international experts from science, veterinary, and educational organisations, industry, and government agencies.

Research is being carried out across 7 specific areas, 5 of which focus on gaining information and learning to support M. bovis eradication efforts. They are:

epidemiology
diagnostics
direct impacts of the disease
entry pathways
behaviour drivers and incentives.

The programme has also commissioned research on the social and economic impacts associated with the eradication to understand these impacts at property, community, and national level.

SSAG science plan [PDF, 1.2 MB]

SSAG members

Members include local and international expert scientists, vets, and government representatives.

John Roche, Departmental science adviser – MPI
Nigel French, Distinguished professor and executive director – Infectious Disease Research Centre, Massey University
Axel Heiser, Senior scientist – AgResearch
Trish McIntosh, Director – North Canterbury Vets
Hamish Gow, Professor of Agribusiness – Massey University
James Turner, Resource economist and senior social scientist – AgResearch
Shaun Hendy, Director – Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland
Prue Williams, General manager – Science System Investment and Performance, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Mary van Andel, Principal adviser – MPI
Glenn Browning, Professor and director Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health – Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne
Cameron Stewart, Senior research scientist – Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO
William McMillian, Independent agribusiness consultant and scientist – Kaiārahi Ahuwhenua, Federation of Māori Authorities
Roger Ayling, Private consultant with extensive M. bovis research experience, UK