Mycoplasma bovisin New Zealand: a content analysis of media reporting

Abstract

Mycoplasma bovis, a disease affecting cattle worldwide, was first reported in New Zealand in 2017. Classed as an unwanted organism, the Government attempted eradicating it via culling of infected herds. This study reviews media coverage of this process over the first two years following the incursion. Content analysis was used to explore media framing of the management, containment and progress towards eradication of cattle infected by M. bovis over time. The analysis revealed that farmers and communities affected by M. bovis reported many forms of adverse health and well-being impacts. Apparent causes included the outbreak itself, the Government's eradication programme, the way that programme was delivered, and the cumulative nature of stressors on the sector. The analysis also underlined media focus on raising the profile of the human cost of this biosecurity disaster. Arguably this approach amplified deficits within the processes and management strategies adopted by the Ministry for Primary Industries. This research adds to the small but growing body of evidence relating to the health and social impacts of exotic animal disease incursions on rural communities in New Zealand and elsewhere. Findings can be used to facilitate planning for future responses.

Emerging advances in biosecurity to underpin human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health

“… 79 The social and psychological impact of a biosecurity incursion on affected stakeholders is often underappreciated by government agencies coordinating a response. 80 , 81 Including an understanding of the importance of citizen engagement in biosecurity responses may achieve a higher reduction in operational costs by factoring in voluntary actions of citizens or actions to protect livelihoods. It can also help build supportive social values and cooperation for future biosecurity responses.…”

Transcriptomic Responses of Mycoplasma bovis Upon Treatments of trans-Cinnamaldehyde, Carvacrol, and Eugenol

“…are more than $2 billion/year worldwide ( Maunsell et al, 2011 ). Outbreaks of M. bovis diseases have been reported in virtually every country, the most recent being New Zealand (July 21, 2017), a country with no prior records of M. bovis diseases according to their Ministry of Primary Industries ( Boyce et al, 2021 ).…”