Surge update
In April, the M. bovis programme announced a ‘surge’ (casing backlog) in the number of properties contacted about the movement of risk animals under the M. bovis programme.
Since then MPI have contacted more than 1,000 farmers to discuss possible risk movements. It was initially estimated that up to 250 Notices of Direction (NODs) restricting cattle movements might be issued. However, there have been 171 properties receive NODs and 304 lower-risk properties placed under Active Surveillance. Of the 171 NODs, 23 are dairy farms. It is important to keep in mind that a NOD does not mean that the property has M. bovis. Only 10-15 percent of NODs are found to have the disease.
Reviews of the surge
Following the announcement of the surge, DairyNZ met with MPI and Beef + Lamb New Zealand to strengthen, update and better resource the M. bovis programme. MPI’s Chief Science Advisor led an investigation into the source of the surge, and DairyNZ has also commissioned an independent industry expert to review and deliver a report into the surge. These reviews were supported by Beef + Lamb NZ and MPI.
DairyNZ is now working through the reports with our partners, Beef +Lamb NZ and MPI, and identifying the key themes and recommendations. We will be in touch with farmers to let them know the findings of the reviews – including the causes and actions going forward.
Biosecurity Response Levy
We are currently working through the details of the Biosecurity Response Levy that will be put in place to pay dairy’s share of the M. bovis response.
We will be advising farmers as soon as we know the confirmed start date and rate of the new levy. As we outlined in the consultation in February, farmers will receive a minimum of 30 days’ notice prior to start of collection.
