Encouraging progress on eradication

Beef farmers will be encouraged by the Technical Advisory Group’s report on the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) eradication programme, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).

“Although it is still early days, and this is a complex disease, we are pleased by the progress outlined in the TAG report,” says B+LNZ Chairman Andrew Morrison.

“The progress so far illustrates the value of a collaborative approach to fighting M. bovis with Government and industry working in partnership.

“Farmers and rural communities also deserve credit for stepping up to the plate during the eradication programme.

“We know this has been a difficult, uncertain and often upsetting time for farmers and their families, especially those directly affected because people’s livelihoods are at stake.

“Our view has always been that eradication was only on the table for a limited time and once it was off the table, it would be off forever, so we had to give this a go.” B+LNZ will continue to look at ways to improve the support and resources for farmers during the M. bovis response,” says Andrew.

“Our hope is that with a united effort, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever. We can then focus on learning everything we can from this response to make us better prepared for the future.”

B+LNZ and DairyNZ will be holding consultations with dairy and beef farmers from late January to get their feedback on the best timeframe to make the eradication programme repayments.

It is anticipated the beef cattle M. bovis levy will be collected via a specific biosecurity levy at the point of processing.