Semen batches that are being tested
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is testing some imported bovine semen held in New Zealand to ensure that it does not contain Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis).
This includes semen batches that:
- were imported before 1 October 2025
- were treated under the Certified Semen Services (CSS) protocol (a minimum standard for the health monitoring and disease surveillance of bulls prior to semen collection, including antibiotic treatment)
- have not already been polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tested for M. bovis.
This work builds on the Imported Bovine Semen Testing (IBST) project completed in early 2025, which focussed on testing imported semen batches that had not been CSS treated and is part of the final phase of New Zealand's M. bovis eradication programme.
Why CSS-treated semen is now being tested
Imported bovine semen is a possible pathway for M. bovis entering New Zealand.
Earlier stages of the IBST project did not require testing of CSS-treated semen. At the time, this treatment was considered an effective way to manage M. bovis-related risks.
However, new research published in 2025 shows that CSS antibiotic treatment may inactivate M. bovis but does not reliably destroy it.
As a result:
- MPI updated the Bovine Germplasm Import Health Standard in July 2025
- from 1 October 2025, all imported semen must be PCR tested, regardless of treatment
- the M. bovis programme governance group determined that further testing focused on CSS-treated semen batches was required.
Testing CSS-treated semen already held in New Zealand will provide a similar level of assurance as we have for semen imported under current import requirements and help to protect the significant investment made by government and industry to eradicate M. bovis.
What testing involves
- Two straws are taken from each eligible batch.
- Samples are tested using a validated PCR test for M. bovis DNA.
- Testing destroys the straws used.
What this means for owners of imported bovine semen
If your bovine semen is included within the scope of this project, your storage provider will contact you and arrange for straws to be sent for testing at an approved laboratory.
Compensation
Compensation may be available for losses caused by the CSS‑IBST project.
This includes the value of semen straws submitted for testing.
Find out more about compensation
Imported bovine semen testing compensation factsheet [PDF, 276 KB]
Bovine semen testing compensation claim form [PDF, 163 KB]
For any questions about compensation entitlement or the claim process, email CompensationCoordinator@mpi.govt.nz
Why this work is important
New Zealand has made significant progress towards eradicating M. bovis.
As the programme enters its final phase, remaining risks must be addressed.
Testing previously exempt semen helps to:
- reduce the risk of undetected M. bovis
- protect the significant investment in eradicating M. bovis
- maintain confidence in New Zealand's biosecurity system and livestock industries.
