Press Release – Science Media Centre On 21 July 2017, the bacteria Mycoplasma bovis was first found in New Zealand cattle. A year later, in May 2018, we became the first country in the world to aim to eradicate it. To mark four years since the diseases discovery in Kiwi cows, the SMC asked … On 21 July 2017, the bacteria Mycoplasma bovis was first found in New Zealand cattle. A year later, in May 2018, we became the first country in the world to aim to eradicate it. To mark four years since the disease’s discovery in Kiwi cows, the SMC asked experts to reflect on the programme and its impacts.