Biosecurity New Zealand today confirmed a property in Northland has tested positive for the bacterial cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis. It is the first time the disease has been found in this region.

The infected property, a dry stock beef farm, was identified through the tracing of animals movements from known infected farms and is under a Restricted Place legal notice under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

This effectively places them in quarantine lockdown – restricting the movement of animals and other risk goods on and off the farm.

Biosecurity New Zealand will not be publicly naming the farm and neighbours who share a boundary with the infected property have been notified. It says the risk to neighbouring farms is very low.

As part of the Government and sector group programme to eradicate the disease, all infected groups of cattle on the farm will ultimately be culled, in agreement with the farmer concerned around timing.

The response continues to make progress, with a total of 30 farms having been cleaned and depopulated. They are now moving forward with their farming businesses.

Biosecurity New Zealand is planning a public meeting for next week in Northland and further information on the location and time will be released in the next few days.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries