Mycoplasma bovis

Beef + Lamb New Zealand, alongside DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), is a partner in the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) eradication programme.

M. bovis is a bacteria that can cause serious health conditions in cattle, including mastitis (udder infection), pneumonia, arthritis, and ill-thrift in calves. Less commonly it can cause progressive neurological disease in calves, conjunctivitis, and reproductive losses.

The programme aims to:

  • eradicate M. bovis from New Zealand
  • reduce the impact of the disease and the eradication programme for everyone affected
  • leave New Zealand’s biosecurity system stronger.

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