NAIT compliance vital

FARMERS WHO don’t keep accurate NAIT records put others at risk and can hinder efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.

That’s the claim of M. bovis programme director Simon Andrew.

Currently, there are six active confirmed properties with M. bovis infection and a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) in place for the Wakanui area in Mid-Canterbury.

Andrew says most of the infected properties will be cleared by early next year and M. bovis eradication remained ontrack.

But he adds that it’s vital all farmers used NAIT properly.

“In our tracing work, we have identified some poor NAIT practices, which is disappointing,” he explains. “Good NAIT records allow us to track any infection

Nait Rules

● NAIT animals born on farm must be tagged by the time the animal is 180 days old or before first movement off farm – whichever comes first.

● NAIT animals must be registered within 7 days of tagging, or before their first movement off farm –whichever comes first.

● The Ministry for Primary Industries is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NAIT Act, while OSPRI runs the NAIT system.

● Penalties in the NAIT Act, increased the maximum penalty tenfold to $100,000 in late 2019.

quickly, whereas poor records slow us down and heighten the risk that other farmers’ cattle are exposed to M. bovis.”

Andrew says things have come a long way thanks to the hard work of farmers and the wider farming community.

“However, as we approach the end of another year, it’s timely to encourage farmers to do the right thing.”

Andrew says incomplete NAIT records had resulted in farms being placed under movement controls, which may not have been the case if animals were properly accounted for under the NAIT system.

“Farmers should be aware that, where necessary, the M. bovis Eradication Programme will refer those with poor NAIT records to MPI’s compliance team for investigation.”

MPI’s national manager of animal welfare