Foot and Mouth 'Preparedness' Plan Welcomed by Cattle Specialists
NEW ZEALAND – Dairy New Zealand has praised the government’s foot and mouth disease ‘preparedness’ programme, saying it will address gaps in the current national system.
25 October 2013
1 minute read
Chief Executive of the organisation, Dr Tim Mackle said: “It is great to see the government responding by taking concrete action.”
Biosecurity precautions are critical for the cattle industry, said Dr Mackle, pleased that Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy is tackling the FMD challenge.
The eighteen month programme is expected to improve biosecurity threats in general, such as the recent notifications of Theileria and bovine tuberculosis outbreaks in herds.
“These diseases can result in significant animal welfare issues, costs, and stress to farmers and the wider economy,” warned Dr Mackle.
He added: “Dairy farmers make a significant commitment to and investment in biosecurity for the industry. More than $16 million of dairy levy money is invested in disease prevention every year, mainly through the TBFree programme.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government and other livestock industry groups to implement the programme. Together we are able to achieve significantly more than acting individually,” says Dr Tim Mackle.
TheCattleSite News Desk
