NAIT Animal ID System on track

15 December 2010

NAIT and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), announced today that they have entered into discussions with the Australian National Livestock Identification System Limited (NLIS Ltd) regarding the information system that will support New Zealand's National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.

NLIS was introduced as a mandatory national animal tracing system in Australia in 2005.

NAIT's Chief Executive, Russell Burnard said that NAIT in collaboration with MAF are investigating the ability of NLIS Ltd to develop a similar system that meets New Zealand's requirements.

"New Zealand has an excellent opportunity to benefit from the lessons learned from the experience of NLIS in Australia.

"Farmers, the meat industry, stock agents and sale yards can be assured that lifetime traceability of animals in New Zealand is fast becoming a reality."

For further information, contact:

  • National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Ltd, Joanna Poole, Communications Manager, 04 894 0137 / 029 894 0137
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Helen Keyes, Communications Manager, 04 894 0161 / 029 894 0161

BACKGROUND

NAIT (New Zealand)

NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) is an animal identification and tracing system that will link people, property and animals. NAIT Ltd is the industry-owned company that will implement the NAIT system.

NAIT will provide New Zealand livestock owners, processors and government with timely and quality information on the current location, movement history and other related attributes associated with livestock.

NAIT-approved RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) tags are available now, and will be mandatory when both the legislation is in place and the system is operating effectively.

With its ability to trace infected animals and properties quickly and accurately, NAIT will improve New Zealand’s ability to respond and contain the damage from biosecurity risks and food scares. This will help give assurance to our trading partners and help our ability to resume trade after such an event.

"NAIT is about safeguarding the New Zealand brand and farmers’ income by protecting market access for New Zealand animal products through enhancing regulatory and consumer confidence in New Zealand’s ability to manage biosecurity and food safety”. (As agreed by the NAIT Technical Advisory Group, 28 January 2009.)

For more information visit: www.nait.co.nz (offsite link to www.nait.co.nz)