Affected farmers could apply for compensation for verifiable losses relating to MPI exercising its legal powers under the Biosecurity Act.
“Since the start of this response in late July we’ve carried out tens of thousands of tests of the infected, neighbouring and trace properties as well as district-wide testing in Waimate and Waitaki and nationwide testing of bulk milk,” MPI response director Geoff Gwyn said.
“The only positive results for the disease have been on seven infected properties, leading us to be cautiously optimistic that we are dealing with a very localised area of infection around Oamaru.” Gwyn said.
The 4000 cattle were from five of the seven infected properties. The two other properties had a small number of animals culled already and no cattle remained.
“This whole operation is about managing the disease while keeping our future options open.
“We want to minimise the risk of further spread of the disease.
“Moving ahead with depopulation of the affected farms will allow them to get back to normal business as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.
MPI expected the first stage of the process – removing the animals – would start after consultation with affected parties.
Most of the cattle would be sent for slaughter in accordance with standard practice.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons supported the decision.
“The decision will obviously have significant implications for the farm businesses and the rural communities affected by this disease outbreak and we wish to see all available support and compensation provided to those affected.
“We believe these measures are necessary to protect NZ cattle farms against this disease.”
Federated Farmers president Katie Milne said she recognised there would be a significant emotional cost for the affected farming families and their animals.
“The process of culling whole herds will be very stressful for the people concerned.
"But the disease does not respond to treatment and cannot be vaccinated against.
“Culling is the only logical option to prevent ongoing suffering of the animals," she said.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said farmers around the country would be reassured by the decision.
“DairyNZ is supportive of MPI’s decision to step up control measures by culling these animals.
“However, we also know that the decision will create heartache for the affected farmers and our sympathies are with all those involved onfarm.”
