Identification Requirements For HGP Treated Cattle

New Identification Requirements For HGP Treated Cattle

Farmers using hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) should now find it easier to comply with the new identification requirements for cattle treated on or from 30 November with these substances.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has removed its requirement that cattle treated with HGPs on and from 30 November must have an individual animal identifier on its secondary ear tag.

Now, all bovine animals implanted with HGPs on, or after 30 November 2000, must be identified by: * a primary ear tag and * a secondary ear tag (which may bear the individual animal identifier); and * an orange HGP ear tag.

However MAF recommends that secondary ear tags with individual animal identifiers be used.

The primary and secondary ear tags must comply with the Animal Health Board Identification System and the MINDA Identification System approved under the Animal Products Act 1999.

The amendment follows comments that earlier requirement that secondary tags for HGP treated cattle must display an individual animal identifier made it difficult to comply with in some circumstances where animals are already identified and subsequently treated.

MAF says the changes should help resolve some of these problems and make the system more flexible and easier to comply with.

The identification requirements were introduced to allow New Zealand to continue its beef trade with the European Union. A recent audit by the European Commission highlighted areas for improvement in New Zealand's HGP control programme.

The programme will be monitored over the next 12 months to make sure it is practical and is working in the best interests of the market. More information on the revised requirements is available via the MAF website or a hard copy can be provided by contacting Geoff Maughan at Manor House Press on 04-568-6071.

For further information contact: Caroline Keast, MAF National Manager, Residues. Telephone: 04-474-4149.

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