Mycoplasma bovis information for farmers

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a bacterium which can a range of conditions in cattle - including mastitis that doesn’t respond to treatment, pneumonia, arthritis, and late-term abortions.

M. bovis is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

M. bovis was first identified in New Zealand in July 2017, following collaboration between veterinarians and farm staff seeking to understand an unusual pattern of disease. This is the first time M. bovis has been found in New Zealand.

In May 2018, MPI announced the Government, dairy and beef industries had agreed to eradicate M. bovis from New Zealand.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is not directly involved in the Government's M. bovis eradication programme. We do however act as a liaison between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and NZVA member veterinarians.

Veterinarians provide essential support to New Zealand farmers as the rural sector continues its Mycoplasma bovis  eradication. Veterinarians are highly valued and skilled on-farm animal health advisors.

For the latest updates on M. bovis, visit the MPI website and subscribe to the weekly MPI Mycoplasma bovis stakeholder update.

If you have any concerns about your animals, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice, or call the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66.