20 days is a long wait for much-needed answers

National’s Biosecurity Spokesperson Barbara Kuriger is calling on the Government to publish all of the information it has received from officials regarding the cattle disease Mycoplasma Bovis, as the incursion reaches a crisis point for many farmers.

“The Minister has constantly delayed the release of information concerning Mycoplasma Bovis. I have lodged a number of requests to his office through the Official Information Act process but the required response time is 20 days,” Mrs Kuriger says.

“Twenty days is a long wait for farmers when so many are already under significant financial strain because of the uncertainty around the containment response. I urge Damien O’Connor to put politics aside and immediately release all of the information he has in the interest of our rural communities.

“Rural communities are strained throughout New Zealand, with farmers in Southland reporting they’re under significant financial pressure, and dairy sections at annual A&P Shows in South Westland are being canned to try and prevent the further spread of the disease.

“This is a very real issue and these people need certainty. The Minister needs to act now and come forward with all of the information,” Mrs Kuriger says.

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