Meeting To Be Held After Three Winton Farms Put In Biosecurity Lockdown

Ministry for Primary Industries are holding a community meeting in Southland on Mycoplasma bovis.

Mycoplasma bovis is a bacterium that causes illness in cattle, including udder infection (mastitis), abortion, pneumonia, and arthritis. It does not infect humans and presents no food safety risk.

This is the first time it has been found in New Zealand. The bacterium is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

There are now 12 properties (In New Zealand) in total confirmed as positive for the disease. All infected properties are under Restricted Place Notices under the Biosecurity Act. These legal controls restrict the movement of stock and equipment on and off those farms to contain the disease.

The meeting will provide an explanation of the biosecurity response and what Ministry for Primary Industries are doing, what Mycoplasma bovis is, what it means for farmers and what farmers can do to protect their farm.

The meeting is for farmers in Southland or anyone else with an interest in the response.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions to a team of experts and there will be a chance to chat afterwards.

When: 19th December at 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Winton War Memorial Hall, 2 Meldrum Street, Winton

https://whatsoninvers.nz/three-winton-properties-in-biosecurity-lockdown/