MPI is said to be on track to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.

Latest figures from the ministry show that 129 out of 171 farms that were infected have been cleared, and can be repopulated.

It's cost $156 million to cull more than 100,000 cattle, with just 43 farms still actively infected.

Massey University veterinary science expert Richard Laven told Mike Hosking it's not spreading on as many farms as anticipated.

"At the moment, the process is on track, likely that, if this all progresses, we are going to be able to eliminate Mycoplasma bovis, which will be a real achievement."

Laven says it will still take about eight years to prove we are free of the disease, which is a difficulty that comes about because of the tests used.

"Because the difficulty is proving you are free of Mycoplasma bovis, because all te tests are designed to show you have got it, the aren't designed to show you haven't got it."

 

 

 

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