National Animal Identification & Tracking System under review
20th October
A working group of representatives from various agricultural organisations is reviewing New Zealand’s national animal
identification and tracking systems.
The recently formed working group, chaired by Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman Jeff Grant is evaluating international developments in animal identification and
traceability. The group is also assessing New Zealand’s current systems with the intent of making recommendations on
practical enhancements that will retain New Zealand’s position in international markets.
“New Zealand needs to reassess its animal identification regime to safeguard the future of the industry and the
economy,” Mr Grant said.
“Effectively the group has considered three major drivers for animal identification and traceability. First and foremost
is biosecurity, second is market access and third is market preferences.”
“To safeguard our primary agricultural industry and the New Zealand economy it is essential that we maintain an
effective control programme in the event of a major disease outbreak. The discovery of Foot and Mouth Disease in the
United Kingdom cost the agricultural industry there an estimated £3.1billion and tourism close to £5 billion” Mr Grant
said.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Treasury have predicted a case of Foot and Mouth Disease would result in a
cumulative loss to New Zealand in GDP of around $6 billion after one year. The scale of impact is difficult to
comprehend but the financial cost should convey to us in New Zealand that we must look at our biosecurity systems to
ensure that we can manage the risk posed.
An effective traceability system enhances our ability to combat the spread of an exotic disease and minimise its impact.
“The sooner we can track down animals implicated in a disease outbreak the sooner we can control it and the less impact
it will have on the productive economy.” A very effective and speedy traceability system could limit the area needing to
be quarantined, allow unaffected parts of the country to continue producing and limit the effects in overseas markets.
Sound policy around animal identification and tracking will also help New Zealand’s position in resisting the imposition
of costly overseas requirements and maintain market access. Overseas markets are continually raising the bar on animal
ID and traceability and we don’t want to be in the position of having to adopt someone else’s system.
“Current market pressures will continue to increase over animal traceability and we need to make sure New Zealand's
systems are effective. One of the largest meat buyers in the world has recently signaled that animal identification is a
core competency the industry has to develop.”
“This national animal identification and tracking system study is being driven by both industry and government. We need
to appreciate and consider carefully the costs and benefits of any changes that will impact on current systems” Mr Grant
said.
ENDS