Mycoplasma bovis

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a bacterial disease that can cause a range of health conditions in cattle, including mastitis, 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 was the first time M. bovis has been found in New Zealand.

The M. bovis Eradication Programme began in 2018 and is expected to be a 10-year programme. Although the NZVA is not directly involved in the programme, we do act as a liaison between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and NZVA members.

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

For the latest updates on M. bovis, visit MPI's website or 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.