Three new cases of the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis have been found in the South Island.
Cows on a farm infected with mycoplasma bovis. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
The Ministry for Primary Industries says that one of the farms is located in the Ashburton area, and two others in Southland.
It says the farms are closely connected with previously infected properties and the disease was identified by tracing animal movements.
The disease was discovered on the first farm in July last year, and is now on 17 farms from Hawke's Bay to Southland.
It can cause lameness, mastitis and abortions in cows, but poses no risk to people.
Earlier this month, the disease was confirmed on another Ashburton farm after a suspicious milk test.