Friday, March 29, 2024

Feedlot poses no M bovis spread risk

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Canterbury’s Five Star Beef feedlot has been issued with a Notice of Direction after being suspected of having Mycoplasma bovis following an intake of 44 cattle from a supplier who has subsequently been found to have Mycoplasma bovis.
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“The cattle are suspected to have been infected before they arrived at Five Star Beef and quarantine protocols were implemented immediately following notification of these animals of interest,” chief executive Peter Conley said.

“As New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has confirmed, M bovis is not a food safety risk and there is no issue with eating beef from infected herds.

“We are working closely with the MPI on a plan to manage the impact of M bovis on the property,” Conley said.

“There is no risk of M bovis spreading from Five Star Beef because all cattle arriving at the property for finishing ultimately go direct to slaughter. 

“In addition, neighbouring farms are some distance from cattle on the property.

“Five Star Beef has also received attention in recent days from a group questioning the merits of grain-finishing animals on feedlots in New Zealand. 

“This issue is unrelated to the current challenges Five Star Beef is facing with M bovis. 

“Any farm infected by M bovis is going through a very difficult time because of the uncertainty and stress associated with it,” he said.

Five Star Beef is one of a number of farms with cattle that have tested positive for M bovis since July last year.

“Animal welfare is a high priority for Five Star Beef. It is not in its interests to compromise on animal welfare,” he said.

So Five Star Beef is working closely with MPI and implementing all measures as required. 

It has implemented extra measures and controls to minimise the risk of spreading M bovis.

As required, it will continue to restrict access in and out of the site,  ensure all vehicles and work boots use the washing facilities provided and continue to comply with MPI best practice.

Five Star Beef is focusing its significant efforts on the M bovis issue in the first instance and will provide updates when they become available, he said,

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