From next Wednesday, animal disease management service OSPRI will handle on the ground operations — with MPI maintaining non-operational aspects.
OSPRI will take over testing for M.bovis on farms, as well as containment, disinfection and supporting farmers.
MPI spokesperson Kelvan Smith says farmers will be familiar with OSPRI’s work.
He says it’s already been testing for bovine TB, and a lot of MPI bovis eradication staff are transferring to OSPRI.