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Latest report from the M. bovis Technical Advisory Group

The independent Technical Advisory Group provided their latest report on 24 March 2021.

Latest TAG report [PDF, 489 KB]

Case management review and report

Two reviews were commissioned into the cause and impact of the backlog of animal movements to be processed through the Mycoplasma bovis Programme, and the resulting surge.

Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) convened a group of technical experts to review its response to Mycoplasma bovis. The report from the group includes a secondary addendum report produced after the group reconvened when the disease was found in Southland. 

Additional TAG reports

The TAG has continued to provide MPI with independent advice on the feasibility of eradicating Mycoplasma bovis from New Zealand and other key areas affecting the response. The TAG is made up of New Zealand and international experts that sit outside MPI’s Mycoplasma bovis response. TAG advice is an important input into response decision-making. The views and recommendations expressed in the reports are fully independent and are not government policy.

Analysis of how the disease could have entered NZ

MPI carried out an analysis of 7 potential ways Mycoplasma bovis could have entered New Zealand. The pathways report reached no conclusion about how the disease arrived here. MPI continues to investigate the means of entry.

We have always said with this disease outbreak that it is unlikely we will be able to determine the exact pathway. We remain of that view – however, the report provides insight into pathway risk to support future management decisions.

Timeline – Mycoplasma bovis in New Zealand [PDF, 88 KB]

Find out about our response to Mycoplasma bovis

Clinical impact research

As part of the Mycoplasma bovis Programme, in May 2018 MPI commissioned research into the clinical impact of the disease in New Zealand. A summary of the research, which was conducted by independent veterinarian Carolyn Hamill, was presented to a New Zealand Veterinarian Association conference in May.

Redaction of information

Redactions have been made to the TAG and pathways reports consistent with provisions of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Where required, the Ministry for Primary Industries has considered the public interest when making decisions on the information being withheld.

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