NZ cow slaughter rates rise, weighing on prices, as M. bovis culling spreads

NZ cow slaughter rates rise, weighing on prices, as M. bovis culling spreads
Tina Morrison
By Tina Morrison May 15 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand cow slaughter rates are tracking ahead of last year as the compulsory culling of cattle on properties infected with Mycoplasma bovis swells volumes, weighing on prices. The outbreak was reported in New Zealand for the first time in July last year, and the Ministry for Primary Industries has so far ordered the slaughter of cattle from 39 infected properties. The ministry expects to make a decision by the end of this month on whether to continue with attempts at eradication or switch its...