Animal welfare | Mycoplasma bovis Programme

As we work to eradicate M. bovis from New Zealand, we’re also taking care of any animal welfare issues that arise

Here are some tips to help you meet your animal welfare responsibilities:

Remember, you are always responsible for the welfare of animals under your care
If your farm is under a Notice, your animal welfare responsibilities do not change
Your vet can provide animal welfare advice and guidance.

Directions given under the Biosecurity Act 1993 do not over-ride other legislation, such as the Codes of Welfare or Animal Welfare Act 1999 and its associated regulations (2016 Calf Regulations and 2018 reissue Calf Regulations).

The MPI website has some helpful resources to guide you with your animal welfare responsibilities:

Animals fit for transport
Transporters are responsible for the welfare of all animals when they are loaded, during transport and when off-loading.
Download the ‘Fit for Transport’ app for a quick reference guide.
- Download the fit for transport app – Google Play
- Download the fit for transport app – The App store
Find out more
- Animal Transport responsibilities - Ministry for Primary Industries
- Transport Within New Zealand Code of Welfare
Other animals

There is an extremely low risk of transmission of M. bovis between cattle and other species.
Although international science literature shows M. bovis has been found in other species, there are no known cases of infection in cattle where these species have been suspected or confirmed as the source of infection.
Baleage and silage

Silage and baleage pose an extremely low risk of spreading M. bovis and may be fed as usual or transferred off the farm for sale.
The ensiling process creates an acidic environment (approx. pH 4.5) where M. bovis bacteria are unlikely to survive.