A comprehensive National Surveillance programme to assess the extent of the Mycoplasma bovis infection in the New Zealand beef sector involves:
Information collected from the outbreak so far indicates that Mycoplasma bovis isn’t present in beef properties outside the known network of infected farms.
The National Beef Survey for Mycoplasma bovis is part of a comprehensive National Surveillance programme to assess the extent of this infection in the New Zealand beef sector.
Cattle are sampled during routine farm management procedures and tested for M. bovis. Cattle are also sampled at meat processing plants and a national feedlot.
While we are confident that M. bovis is not widespread in beef breeding or stud herds in New Zealand, it is very important that we carry out surveillance to make sure and to help provide confidence in the future, that we are free from the disease.
Herds are not being tested because we think they are infected.
We're looking outside the known network of infected farms to confirm that the infection has not become widespread in the beef sector.
Information collected from the outbreak so far indicates that Mycoplasma bovis isn’t present in beef properties outside the known network of infected farms. Screening of your herd will provide assurance to farmers and the wider beef sector.
Cattle on beef and dry stock properties will be blood sampled during routine farm management procedures and tested for M. bovis. Veterinary practices will contact farms to arrange a suitable time for a sampling visit to occur ideally when other management procedures are underway.
Blood samples will be collected by veterinarians and veterinary technicians, coordinated by SVS Laboratories.
A single sample of blood will be taken from between 25 and 150 cattle that are yarded for a routine farm management procedure (pregnancy testing, drenching, vaccinating etc). Approximately 10ml of blood should be collected from the tail vein of each eligible cow.
The Mycoplasma bovis Programme has partnered with SVS laboratories to ensure that blood samples are tested to a high standard and results are delivered as quickly as possible.
All samples will be tested using the Mycoplasma bovis ELISA test. This test determines if animals have been exposed to the bacteria. The test is very accurate at determining the status of a group of animals. It isn’t used on an individual animal level.
Results will be available within 14 business days of samples being taken, sooner in most cases. Negative results will be reported by email.
Farmers need to be sure that the vet or vet tech has your current email address.
The National Beef Survey is a screening test, not a final result. While most farms aren’t expected to return a positive result, some herds will require further testing to confirm their infection status.
If the blood results indicate further testing is required, you will be contacted by phone within 14 business days.
Farms will enter the Mycoplasma bovis Programme, see our website below for more information.
Feedlot testing of incoming cattle will provide additional national surveillance of the beef sector, supplying vital information to help with the eradication programme.
High volumes of cattle pass through feedlots. Testing cattle on arrival for M. bovis antibodies before they enter the feedlot can increase identification of farms with infected herds.
Traceability is a key part of managing the spread of M. bovis.
The M. bovis Programme contact farms detected through the testing and follow-up with on-farm testing to establish disease status.
Farmer tip
If you’re affected by the M. bovis eradication Programme make the most of your professional team. Your vet, bank manager and farm consultant can give you advice and support. They also understand the need to treat this information confidentially. MPI won’t contact any third party organisations about your situation without your consent. You can also find advice & support here.