Farmers back NAIT changes

The NAIT Amendment Bill makes changes to the Act which will allow for warrantless inspections of farms, clarifies animal movement requirements, and makes it an offence not to record animal movements.

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says it’s become clear over the past year that some farmers haven’t been taking the requirements to record animal movements through NAIT as seriously as they should have been.

“We’ve always encouraged farmers to ensure they complete NAIT records, and the failure to do so has caused significant problems for the sector since M. bovis was first discovered in New Zealand last year. Legislated changes to the Act were clearly necessary.

“M. bovis has proven just how difficult a disease like this can be for a herd, for the farming community, and for the wider economy.”

Mackle says DairyNZ supports the Government’s decision to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose. “Knowing where your cows have been, is crucial to understanding and preventing the spread of any future disease.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) also welcomes the Government’s passing of amendments NAIT Act.

Dave Harrison, B+LNZ’s general manager policy and advocacy says M. bovis has demonstrated that it is critical to be able to trace movements of animals between farms in the event of a biosecurity incursion and effective compliance forms an important part of that process.

“The amendments represent a good first step towards improving the NAIT system and provide greater clarity about enforcement.

“Those farmers who work hard to comply with NAIT requirements have increasingly been asking for stronger penalties and compliance actions against those who put the industry at risk and this will give them confidence that some action is being taken.”