There's belief it's still possible to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.

This afternoon the Government will announce whether it will do that or choose to manage the disease.

Federated Farmers dairy industry chairman Chris Lewis told Mike Hosking some experts still believe eradication's possible, even though it hasn't been done anywhere else.

"But it's been so widely spread overseas that they've never tried, that's the problem. We've only had it here for just over two or three years. When they've found it in overseas countries, it's been there for 20 plus years."

Lewis says we need to contain the disease first, then eradicate it.

Farmers say they need to improve their systems to help deal with Mycoplasma bovis.

He says farmers need to improve traceability around the movement of stock, and that they also need a better software system that can incorporate technology like iPads and iPhones.

"Yes, it would've quickened the follow-up process, but a bit of paperwork doesn't stop disease spreading from farm to farm."

Lewis says new software for farmers is coming.

LISTEN TO CHRIS LEWIS TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE