The Waikato region dairy farm was identified through the tracing of cattle movements from infected properties and has been put through an exhaustive testing process to achieve a reliable result.
The farm is under strict controls preventing the movement of animals and other risk goods on and off the property.
Biosecurity New Zealand’s director, response Geoff Gwyn said it is very disappointing to find the disease in another of New Zealand’s key dairying regions.
“It was, however, not a huge surprise, given the sheer number of farms we are uncovering that have received cows and calves from affected farms.
“It’s a reality of New Zealand’s farming system that large numbers of animals are sold and moved across big distances. This response is serving to underline just how much movement takes place and it is this, coupled with poor record keeping through NAIT that is making our job very challenging.”
The new Cambridge positive takes the number of infected properties across the country to 39.
Gwyn said MPI and industry leaders were continuing to look at whether the disease could be eradicated.
“It is not an easy decision to make. All options remain on the table, but we are now looking harder at the possibility of having to manage it over the long term.
He said a decision is expected by the end of this month.
“It’s taking time because we want to get it right and we are working hard with industry representatives to get us in the best place to make the best decision,” Gwyn said.
