Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) disease eradication programme
We deliver the day-to-day operational and disease control functions of the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) Eradication Programme. We took over the functions from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as of 1 November 2023.
MPI and programme partners DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand have the overall accountability for the programme as per the Government Industry Agreement (GIA).
Our operational work will mainly centre on:
- surveillance of the national herd through continued milk and abattoir testing
- managing properties with infected cattle
- supporting affected farmers.
There is no impact on farmers
The farmers will not notice any significant differences in how the programme is delivered.
Levies
There will be no changes to levies funding M. bovis.
Compensation and compliance
MPI will continue to deliver and oversee compensation claims, assessments, and payments. They will also continue to be responsible for compliance action where necessary.
Governance
MPI and its partners DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb NZ will continue to provide strategic direction for the programme and closely monitor operational delivery.
Proposed change to programme model
The programme is currently administered under a GIA operational agreement between the three partners.
A proposal is currently underway to change the administration model to a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) — the same model used for bovine tuberculosis (TB). The proposal nominates OSPRI as the lead agency to deliver the programme for the remainder of the eradication plan. If agreed, it is proposed the NPMP is expected to come into effect in 2024.
For more information on the proposal, refer to MPI's website or email info@mpi.govt.nz
About the M. bovis programme
For more information about the programme, refer to MPI's website.