Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

O'Connor orders review of not naming Mycoplasma Bovis farms

Agri Minister O'Connor orders policy review of not naming Mycoplasma Bovis farms

By Rebecca Howard

Dec. 15 (BusinessDesk) - Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has asked officials to review the policy of not naming the farms where Mycoplasma Bovis is detected and said keeping accurate records of stock movement is vital to halting the spread of the disease.

Mycoplasma bovis is commonly found in cattle globally, including Australia. It does not infect humans and presents no food safety risk, but can have serious effects on cattle. It was first detected in New Zealand in July.

Earlier this week, the Ministry for Primary Industries announced four new properties tested positive for the bacterial cattle disease, including the first outbreak in the North Island, bringing the total to 12. So far, around 3,500 animals have been culled and more than 55,000 tests carried out. The infected farms are placed under "restricted place notices," which legally prevents the movement of animals, equipment and risk materials from the properties.

"Previous advice is that privacy law prevents us from naming those farms, but I think it could be a useful tool so other farmers can put up their hands and say ‘I brought stock from that property’. It could help the tracking and tracing process'," O'Connor said in a release.

O'Connor meanwhile said he has called on industry leaders to emphasise the need for absolute adherence to animal movement requirements. "I want to reassure farmers that the Ministry of Primary Industries is working hard to trace and track animals linked to these properties,’’ he said.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Earlier this week, MPI's director of response Geoff Gwyn said MPI is continuing with its policy of not naming the affected properties if the owners did not want this.

"MPI is prevented from doing otherwise by the Privacy Act. However, we do understand community concern about the disease and we are strongly encouraging farmers under controls or investigation to talk to their neighbours, customers and suppliers," he said in a statement.

(BusinessDesk)

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.