Anglers asked to help avoid 'M. bovis' spread

Anglers are being reminded to do their bit to help with the eradication of Mycoplasma bovis in the latest Fish & Game regulation booklet.

It gets top billing with a full page reminder on page two of the 2018/2019 guide, which comes with every fishing licence. It is also on their website.

Fish & Game New Zealand South Island communications adviser Richard Cosgrove said M. bovis affected people throughout the country, and everybody - including anglers - had a role to play in its eradication.

''I live rurally and could see the concern that M. bovis is causing, so thought it would be wise to create a page on the Fish & Game website for anglers, that then grew to an advert in the regs book.

''While the risk of anglers transmitting the disease is low, we need to do our bit to help contain the spread and reassure farmers,'' the advertisement states.

Mr Cosgrove said information on how to avoid spreading the disease was directly from Ministry for Primary Industry's (MPI) M. bovis team, to ensure the advice was correct.

Federated Farmers national office was also informed about the advertising campaign and then, along with MPI, got to see the information before it was published.

''Both organisations thought our pre-emptive approach was good and were extremely supportive,'' he said.

He said anglers wanting more information on the disease, and the eradication programme, could find it on the Fish & Game website, but there would be additional reminders as opening season drew nearer.

''As it gets closer to the season opening we will be highlighting the advice again for anglers so it's fresh in their minds,'' he said.

-By Toni Williams