Hon Damien O’Connor

Minister for Biosecurity

16 November 2018

Farmers are upping their on-farm biosecurity by making greater use of the National Animal Identification and Tracing scheme, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor said.

Speaking with farmers at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Canterbury over the past two days, Mr O’Connor said biosecurity was front of mind.

“The Government has been making changes to ensure NAIT is easier to use and a more effective biosecurity tool following its poor performance during the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak,” Damien O’Connor said.

“While hundreds of warning letters and more than 70 fines have been issued for those breaking the rules, thousands of farmers have upped their game.

“Feet on the ground matter and about 30 NAIT compliance staff are in the field or completing training over the next month to help farmers use NAIT consistently.

“While they will chiefly offer a hand to those who need help to meet their obligations, they will be penalising those breaking the rules.

“More and more I’m hearing that the dairy and beef industries want those in the sector who are blatantly disregarding the rules to be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

“I want to thank everyone who has improved their record keeping on farm and encourage them to continue to use NAIT consistently as not just a biosecurity tool, but an essential part of business.

“I also thank those helping strengthen the NAIT system by having their say on MPI’s regulatory consultation – drop into the stand if you have questions,” Damien O’Connor said.

Biosecurity New Zealand is checking that all stock at the show are NAIT compliant.

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