Significant milestone in efforts to eradicate M. bovis

"We’ve been able to get to this point through the joint efforts of our farmers and rural communities, and a strong partnership between the primary sector and Government."

A farming leader is ‘cautiously optimistic’ given New Zealand has reached a point where there are no current M. bovis infections and no properties under investigation.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has declared there are currently no farms infected with the cattle disease M. bovis.

The last known infected property in Mid-Canterbury had been destocked and declared disease-free, he said.

Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford said it was a significant milestone in efforts to eradicate M. bovis.

"Federated Farmers are cautiously optimistic that we’ve now turned a corner in the Mycoplasma bovis eradication efforts, but we won’t be sure until bulk milk testing ramps up again in spring," Langford said.

"We’ve been able to get to this point through the joint efforts of our farmers and rural communities, and a strong partnership between the primary sector and Government.

"It’s been an incredibly challenging few years for the farming families who have been infected and rural communities who have been anxious about the diseases spread.

"There’s been a big financial cost to try and eradicate this disease, but there’s been a big emotional cost too. Farmers absolutely love their animals, so to lose your herd is just devastating.

"I hope those farmers who were impacted take real heart from today’s announcement and know it hasn’t all been for nothing.

"The job’s far from over, but all the indicators are pointing in the right direction and we’re making real progress," Langford said.