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Outbreak of cattle disease discovered on New Zealand dairy farm


A South Canterbury dairy farm is in lockdown, after a cattle disease made its way to New Zealand’s shores.

Fourteen cows have tested positive for mycoplasma bovis, and are the first to have the disease in New Zealand, while a further 150 cows on the property have signs of infection.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director of response, Geoff Gwyn, says they don’t know how or when the disease entered the country, after confirming it on July 22.

Mr Gwyn said the disease poses no risk to humans or food safety and there is no concern about consuming milk products.

MPI is working with the farmer to contain the disease to the affected farm and treat the animals showing symptoms.

Mr Gwyn says legal restrictions are in place to stop any movement of stock from the property.

What is mycoplasma bovis?

  • A bacterial disease in cattle
  • It can cause udder infection, abortion, pneumonia and arthritis
  • Commonly found in cattle globally, including in Australia

 

Source: Newshub


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