New Zealand to cull 126,000 cows in the next years
New Zealand is the first country to take severe measure in order to eradicate mycoplasma bovis cattle disease that has spread to 37 farms.
126,000 cows will be slaughtered in the next few years, mentioned Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the beginning of this week. The operation's cost is estimated at NZ$ 800 million ($610 million) and large subsidies will be granted to the industry as the authorities are worried about the health of the national herd, informs The Guardian.
"No one ever wants to see mass culls. But the alternative is to risk the spread of the disease across our national herd. We have a real chance of eradication to protect our more than 20,000 dairy and beef farms, but only if we act now", declared Jacinda Arden.
Mycoplasma Bovis can lead to conditions such as udder infection, pneumonia and arthritis in affected cattle, but does not pose a food safety risk or any risk to humans.
The authorities are going to contribute with NZ$ 591 million ($410 million) to cover the losses resulted in the largest mass animal slaughter in the country's history. The disease was first reported on July last year but since then it has spread from the South Island to the North Island and affected 37 farms so far. Since it was first discovered, 26,000 cows have been culled.
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