The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), together with DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ, is calling for proposals for the diagnostics research outlined in the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) Science Plan.
Accelerating the eradication of M. bovis from New Zealand is the main objective of the science plan, and only diagnostics research that will contribute towards achieving this will be funded.
Dr John Roche, chair of the M. bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group and MPI’s chief science adviser, is looking forward to seeing what researchers and companies will put forward in response.
"The focus is on diagnostic tools that will contribute towards national surveillance testing and on enhancing diagnostic test performance at the herd level. We’re also interested in tools we can use on germplasm.
"We believe that the greatest use of the developed tests will be in the proof of freedom phase, and for monitoring and preventing further incursions.
"This is a real opportunity to help accelerate the eradication of M. bovis from New Zealand", he said.
A portfolio of different diagnostic projects may be funded. Proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation panel, who will make recommendations to the M. bovis Governance Board for approval of funding. Contract negotiations will then follow.
The Diagnostics request for proposals has been issued on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) and is open internationally. All those with expertise, including entities with diagnostic tools already in development, are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by 2pm on 19 June 2019.
