New Zealand Implements National Pest Management Plan for Mycoplasma Bovis Control
Source: The DairyNews
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today that control of Mycoplasma bovis, a significant cattle disease, will be integrated into a national pest management plan starting from the end of this year.
This strategic shift is backed by a coalition government-approved plan developed by DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
The transition of responsibility for managing Mycoplasma bovis from MPI to OSPRI marks a critical development in New Zealand’s biosecurity strategy. OSPRI, which oversees the National Animal Identification Tracing system and collaborates closely with the farming industry to manage animal diseases, is poised to enhance efficiency and safeguard the substantial investments made in eradication efforts to date.
Minister Hoggard emphasized the importance of a tailored Mycoplasma bovis plan to protect the progress made and honor the sacrifices involved in the eradication efforts. "Eradication was initially estimated to cost $870 million in 2018, and a fit-for-purpose plan is essential to secure these gains," Hoggard stated.
As of now, New Zealand has no infected farms, with national efforts focusing on the surveillance of cattle. "There's more to do before we reach the end of this journey, and it is possible we will find more infection before we get there, but the move to a national pest management plan is another big step forward," said Hoggard.
The new plan will equip OSPRI with the necessary tools to continue building on the success achieved in controlling Mycoplasma bovis. According to data provided by the minister, there have been 282 properties cleared of infection, eight farms under notice of direction, and 25 under active surveillance. Additionally, $286.1 million in compensation has been paid out with 2961 claims processed. This systematic approach underlines New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining robust biosecurity measures and ensuring the health of its cattle industry.
The transition of responsibility for managing Mycoplasma bovis from MPI to OSPRI marks a critical development in New Zealand’s biosecurity strategy. OSPRI, which oversees the National Animal Identification Tracing system and collaborates closely with the farming industry to manage animal diseases, is poised to enhance efficiency and safeguard the substantial investments made in eradication efforts to date.
Minister Hoggard emphasized the importance of a tailored Mycoplasma bovis plan to protect the progress made and honor the sacrifices involved in the eradication efforts. "Eradication was initially estimated to cost $870 million in 2018, and a fit-for-purpose plan is essential to secure these gains," Hoggard stated.
As of now, New Zealand has no infected farms, with national efforts focusing on the surveillance of cattle. "There's more to do before we reach the end of this journey, and it is possible we will find more infection before we get there, but the move to a national pest management plan is another big step forward," said Hoggard.
The new plan will equip OSPRI with the necessary tools to continue building on the success achieved in controlling Mycoplasma bovis. According to data provided by the minister, there have been 282 properties cleared of infection, eight farms under notice of direction, and 25 under active surveillance. Additionally, $286.1 million in compensation has been paid out with 2961 claims processed. This systematic approach underlines New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining robust biosecurity measures and ensuring the health of its cattle industry.
