Tim Mackle

Over the past few months we have seen significant improvements in the M. bovis Programme, and we and our partners MPI and Beef + Lamb remain committed to achieving freedom from this unwanted disease.

I believe it remains vital that we keep up the momentum into 2020, so that we catch and stop the disease quickly.  We are constantly working to make sure that the Programme is on track, that farmers are supported, and that you are getting value for money.

There is still a risk of infection, and all farmers need to be taking the right steps to protect their herds. NAIT is a vital part of helping us achieve eradication and protecting the sector – tag every animal, register it into the system, and record every movement between NAIT locations. The NAIT system itself needs improvements and we’ll be working with our partners in 2020 to support this

I also encourage you to take a look over the DairyNZ Biosecurity WOF that has simple steps to take to help protect your farm from M. bovis and other diseases, pests and weeds.

Regards
Tim Mackle
Chief executive - DairyNZ