Disease

New Zealand to cull 20,000 cattle hit by disease outbreak

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has said that all cattle on properties infected with the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis will be culled, and will be working with farmers to do that from today.

Nearly 30 farms in the world’s biggest dairy exporter have tested positive for the disease since it was first detected in South Canterbury on the country’s South Island in July. It's understood that some 20,000 cattle will be culled.

Mycoplasma bovis is common in many countries and 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.

Borna Virus - Germany

The Borna virus which until now had only been seen to infect animals, has infected four people and killed at least three in Germany sparking fears the disease could continue to spread through human populations.

In horses, borna virus infections have been known for more than 100 years and diseased animals show movement disorders, behavioural problems and often die as a result but it is not known how the animals are infected.