M bovis keeps cattle away from Waikato A&P show

The Mycoplasma bovis outbreak has meant changes to the Waikato A&P Show in Hamilton this weekend.

Show organisers have opted to hold the dairy section off-site, creating an on-farm alternative.

Organisers said it was a difficult decision, but was made because of the implications of M bovis.

The changes have also seen a reduced number of classes and judging within breed.

Organisers of last week's Hawke's Bay Show A&P Show opted to keep cattle events as part of the programme on-site.

The Salers bull Willow Creek Hercules of Willow Creek Stud – winner of the Meat and Wool Cup and Supreme All Breeds winner at the Hawke’s Bay show.
The Salers bull Willow Creek Hercules of Willow Creek Stud – winner of the Meat and Wool Cup and Supreme All Breeds winner at the Hawke’s Bay show. Photo credit: Supplied

Event organisers worked with MPI to ensure that the show's biosecurity protocols were impeccable.

These included installing foot baths at the gates, uploading all cattle movements into NAIT, and keeping animal mingling to a minimum.

Meanwhile the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says the response to the outbreak is making good progress.

Forty-one infected properties (IPs) have been revoked and there are currently 34 active IPs. 

It said no new IPs have been confirmed and three more Southland farms have had their IP status revoked.

The latest M Bovis update from MPI
The latest M Bovis update from MPI Photo credit: Supplied

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