New Zealand: government-industry partnership to face potential FMD outbreak

New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced on June 11 a new agreement between the government and the livestock industry to face a potential foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The Foot and Mouth Operation Agreement will see government officials and industry representatives working together to prepare for and respond to a possible outbreak. Six industry organisations – DairyNZ, the Dairy Companies Association, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZPork, Deer Industry New Zealand, and the Meat Industry Association – have signed the agreement, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, for five years. The agreement also states that the livestock industry will cover 40% of readiness costs and 15% of response costs to a potential outbreak in exchange for a formal role in the decision-making process. Hoggard said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand’s livestock sector and strengthening the national biosecurity system.