Mycoplasma bovis
9 min read
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a bacteria that affects cattle, impacting the health, welfare and productivity of infected animals. The disease spreads when cows come into close contact with each other or through contaminated equipment.
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) can cause serious harm to cows and affect their ability to produce milk. Protect your farm and animals by undertaking good biosecurity practices on-farm. If your farm is affected by M. bovis, there's support available, including financial assistance.
In July 2017, M. bovis was found on a dairy farm near Oamaru, this was the first case in New Zealand. In May 2018, a decision was made to try and eradicate this disease. DairyNZ is an active partner in the 10-year Mycoplasma bovis Eradication Programme with MPI and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
On 1 November 2023, OSPRI took over surveillance operations for the M. bovis Programme, and it is proposed that OSPRI will take over full management of the Programme under a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) from 1 July 2024.
For dairy farmers, a new reduced NPMP levy will finance the remaining programme.
Visit the MPI Mycoplasma bovis info hub for the latest updates and information.
Know the signs and symptoms to look out for (PDF)
If your stock shows unusual levels of mastitis, abortions or present with arthritis or pneumonia, contact your vet immediately.
Download the DairyNZ guide: M. bovis Precautions for Calf Rearing for more information on care and feeding.
If you are a farmer directly affected by M. bovis, we have a team that can help you with compensation and support.
The DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ Compensation Assistance Team (DBCAT) can help you:
This free service is supported by MPI and run independently by DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ.
Call us on 0800 322 281 or email dbcat@dairynz.co.nz or dbcat@beeflambnz.com.
To help you with your compensation claim check out the following:
If you or someone you know in the farming community is struggling, visit our get help page for resources and emergency phone numbers.