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Last reviewed:

Update: 8 September 2026 

M. bovis levies reduced to zero from 1 October 2026

The levies that help fund New Zealand's Mycoplasma bovis Programme have been reviewed and reduced to zero.

From 1 August 2026, the M. bovis biosecurity cattle levy on milksolids reduced to 0.0 cents per kilogram of milksolids. From 1 October 2026, the M. bovis beef slaughter levy will also reduce to 0.0 cents per head of cattle.

The levies remain in place and may be reviewed annually. However, current forecasts indicate the programme has sufficient funding to continue operating over the next period without collecting levy revenue.

For more information about M. bovis levies, visit OSPRI's website:

OSPRI manages the M. bovis Eradication Programme

Since 1 January 2025, OSPRI has been managing the M. bovis Eradication Programme under a national pest management plan.

If you notice any possible signs of M. bovis in cattle, freephone OSPRI on 0800 482 463.

Find out about M. bovis and how to report any suspected cases – OSPRI

The eradication programme is a 10-year programme with the goal of achieving nationwide eradication by June 2028. New Zealand is making good progress towards achieving this goal.

About the M. bovis National Pest Management Plan

OSPRI's work under the plan focuses on:

  • background surveillance of the national herd through continued milk and abattoir testing
  • managing properties if infected cattle are detected
  • supporting affected farmers.

Since the beginning of the M. bovis Eradication Programme in 2018, MPI has worked in partnership with DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Funding for the programme is 68% from the Crown (MPI) and 32% from industry. DairyNZ contributes 94% of the industry funding and Beef + Lamb NZ contributes 6%.

The partners continue to work with OSPRI as they deliver the M. bovis National Pest Management Plan.

Biosecurity (National Mycoplasma Bovis Pest Management Plan) Order 2024 – NZ Legislation

MPI publicly consulted on the M. bovis pest management plan in 2023.

Consultation: Administration of the Mycoplasma bovis Eradication Programme

Causes and symptoms of M. bovis and how it spreads

Mycoplasma bovis is a bacterial disease that creates animal welfare and productivity issues. It can cause serious health conditions in cattle, including mastitis (udder infection), pneumonia, arthritis, and ill-thrift in calves. Less commonly, it can cause progressive neurological disease in calves, conjunctivitis, and reproductive losses.

Mycoplasma bovis typically spreads between cattle when they have close contact, such as when they:

  • mix together in a paddock, pen, milking shed, or calf shed
  • walk down a road where nose-to-nose contact is possible with cattle held in paddocks next to the road
  • stray across boundaries by crossing fence lines
  • are calves and are fed milk or colostrum from infected cows.

The M. bovis bacterium does not pose a risk to human health. It’s safe to eat meat and drink milk from infected cattle.

Find out more about M. bovis on OSPRI's website

About Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis)

How Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) surveillance works

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) support for farmers

Compensation for Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis)

Testing imported bovine semen

MPI is continuing to test some imported bovine semen held in New Zealand to ensure that it does not contain M. bovis.

Find out about our testing of some imported bovine semen

Testing samples in the M. bovis programme

Diagnostic laboratories testing samples collected as part of the M. bovis programme must be approved by an MPI chief technical officer.

The programme tests samples collected for:

  • programme surveillance
  • investigating suspected cases.

There are 3 tests approved under Schedule 1, clause 3 of the National Pest Management Plan Order to detect M. bovis. They are the Mycoplasma bovis:

  • ELISA test on bulk milk
  • ELISA test on serum
  • PCR test.

Tests must be processed at laboratories that have also been approved under the National Pest Management Plan.

OSPRI's website has more information about testing for M. bovis outside of the programme.

Finding M. bovis  – OSPRI  

Approved diagnostic laboratories for M. bovis

The following laboratories have been approved as diagnostic laboratories under Schedule 1, clause 3 of the Order, subject to the outlined conditions:

  • AsureQuality Lower Hutt: may only test samples for the purposes of the Order using the Mycoplasma bovis ELISA test method.
  • SVS Laboratories: may only test samples for the purposes of the Order using the Mycoplasma bovis ELISA and the PCR test methods.
  • MilkTestNZ: may only test samples for the purposes of the Order using the Mycoplasma bovis ELISA test method.

MPI's Animal Health Laboratory is also an approved laboratory under the M. bovis National Pest Management Plan Order.

Find out more about the MPI Animal Health Laboratory

Email us if you have questions

info@mpi.govt.nz

Additional information

The Mycoplasma bovis Programme: An independent review 2021 [PDF, 7 MB]

Separate, clean, disinfect: poster on how to protect your farm from disease [PDF, 1.2 MB]