Advisory group fights M. bovis with science

A science advisory group has been formed to strengthen efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis), and met for the first time on July 31.

Mycoplasma bovis is a bacterium that can cause a range of serious conditions in cattle — including mastitis that doesn’t respond to treatment, pneumonia, arthritis, and lateterm abortions. The disease may be dormant in an animal — causing no symptoms at all. But in times of stress (for example, calving, drying-off, transporting, or being exposed to extreme weather), the animal may shed bacteria in milk and nasal secretions. As a result, other animals may be infected and become ill or carriers themselves. The disease does not pose a health risk for humans.

This is the first time it has been found in New Zealand. The bacteria is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

As at August 7 the disease is still not widespread (37 confirmed infected farms) and there is just one strain of the disease here.

Members of the newly-formed M. bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group (the advisory group) will provide high-level strategic scientific advice to the Mycoplasma bovis Governance Group. Science continues to be critical to the M. bovis response, and the advisory group will be a valuable resource to enable science activities to be scaled up.

“The advisory group will ensure we have ongoing access to some of the best minds and knowledge relating to M. bovis, which will bolster the eradication effort,” says Roger Smith, head of Biosecurity New Zealand and chairman of the Mycoplasma bovis Governance Group.

The advisory group involves a range of relevant expertise from New Zealand and internationally. They will contribute their expertise on a range of science matters, including: identifying any critical knowledge gaps and ways to address them, including considering emerging technologies and ideas that may help eradicate M. bovis; prioritisation of M. bovis research efforts; co-ordination of current and future science initiatives relating to M. bovis; learning from other research programmes in New Zealand and internationally and providing assurance that M. bovis eradication research efforts remain fit for purpose.

“The members of the advisory group understand this is an unsettling time for many farmers and are moving quickly. They held their second meeting this week to start the development of their detailed work plan to shape the long-term science strategy,” says Dr John Roche, chairman of the advisory group, and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ departmental science adviser.

“The group has already identified some key priorities for immediate work, and will hold a workshop in September to get wider input into developing the broader science plan,” says Dr Roche.