There's sympathy for the first farm in the Tasman District to be found with Mycoplasma bovis.

A mixed sheep and beef farm near Motueka has tested positive for the bacterial cow disease.

The discovery comes from MPI tracing historical movements of animals, not because the disease is spreading from infected farms.

Federated Farmers deputy dairy chair Wayne Langford told Kate Hawkesby it's upsetting Mycoplasma bovis has reached the area.

"We're in Nelson so even sunshine and wine can't keep M. bovis away so it is sad to hear and our thoughts are definitely with the farmers and the family affected there."

LISTEN ABOVE AS WAYNE LANGFORD SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY