M bovis outbreak sparks law overhaul
The Government will overhaul biosecurity legislation in the wake of the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak.
Primary Industries’ Minister Damien O’Connor is also considering stricter controls on the sale of waste milk – often used to feed calves and has been identified by vets as a possible infection source.
On Monday, ministers decided to cull 150,000 cattle over the next two years to try to eliminate the disease from New Zealand.
However, the length of time it took to make the decision has led to uncertainty amongst farmers.
M bovis is a contagious disease that weakens immunity and causes illness in cattle but it is not considered a food safety risk. Reaction to the Government’s slaughter plan has been mixed.
O’Connor and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited an infected dairy farm in Morven, South Canterbury yesterday to meet with affected farmers.
Owner Leo Bensegues backed the move to eradicate as ‘‘a fair call’’.
He and wife Maite recently restocked his farm after around 1000 were killed last year and was now awaiting a final $200,000 instalment – part of a $2 million compensation payout.
‘‘We’ve started to see the light at the tunnel,’’ Bensegues said. ‘‘Yes, it is hard but, in the end, you just have to start again. It’s not easy and it’s not going to be easy for anyone.’’
Ardern said she made the visit because it was important to hear from those on the ground.
‘‘We wanted to hear from someone who has ... been through the experience of having an entire herd killed and then begin farming again.
‘‘We know there are areas where we need to keep lifting our game and we are committed to doing that,’’ the prime minister said said.
Ardern declared eradication, paying compensation and investigating the outbreak’s cause were priorities but there will also be a review of biosecurity laws.
O’Connor acknowledged the legislation was not flexible.
‘‘The Biosecurity Act has been in place for some time, we believe there is a need for a comprehensive review ... we need to have a thorough look after we have got on top of this,’’ O’Connor said.
O’Connor also confirmed the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was investigating a claim that infected stock was present on farms in 2014 – a year earlier than first thought.