The Ministry for Primary Industries will soon assess compensation claims from the Mycoplasma bovis scare.

4000 cattle from five farms will be destroyed to eradicate the disease.

It's been found on seven properties in Canterbury and Otago in the last three months.

Dairy NZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle said the farms can get financial help through the Biosecurity Act.

"Most farmers don't have insurance against this type of event."

Mycoplasma bovis causes udder infections, abortions, pneumonia and arthritis.

Mackle told Mike Hosking Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb and the farmers are all on board.

"Representatives have been working closely with MPI through the whole process and a lot of discussions recently about what the next move should be, and everyone's in unanimous agreement."

LISTEN ABOVE AS TIM MACKLE SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING