The Ministry for Primary Industries is working with a South Canterbury dairy farmer to contain a cattle disease which has been detected for the first time in New Zealand.

Mycoplasma bovis, which has been commonly found in cattle globally, including Australia, doesn't infect humans and presents no food safety risk.

Ministry response director Geoff Gwyn says there is no concern about consuming milk and milk products.

However, the bacterial disease can have serious effects on cattle, including udder infection, abortion, pneumonia and arthritis.

Mr Gwyn says MPI is working with the farmer to contain the disease and treat animals showing symptoms.