Deer Country podcasts

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing New Zealand's livestock industries. In Episode 3 of the Deer Country Podcast, DINZ Chief Executive Rhys Griffiths and Policy and Research Manager Emil Murphy unpack what the deer industry and wider primary industries are doing to prepare, the role of the Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement (OA) between industry and government, and why readiness matters for every farmer. 

The discussion explores the planning, surveillance and response work already underway, as well as the lessons New Zealand can learn from FMD outbreaks overseas. From understanding how the FMD OA helps shape decision-making during a biosecurity response to the practical actions farmers can take to support preparedness, this episode provides a timely and informative look at one of the biggest threats facing the primary sector. Whether you're a deer farmer or simply interested in New Zealand's biosecurity future, this is an episode well worth listening to. 

While down at the International Deer Biology Congress, DINZ visited the DRL lab to sit down with the team of Simon Liggett (lab manager) and Sara Ferguson (operations manager) for a chat. We also invited congress attendee and North Canterbury vet Georgie Martin to join to offer a vet’s perspective. Our conversation covered the recent parasite PCR testing research done by DRL in partnership with the Bioeconomy Science Institute, as well as the lab’s work, both historic and current, on Johne’s disease and Tb.