Ruminant Feed-Guide for Feed Retailers and Distributors

If you trade in or distribute animal feed, then the Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 apply to you.

The Regulations aim to keep New Zealand free from Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as ‘mad cow disease’. It is believed that the disease is spread among ruminants (cattle, sheep, deer, buffaloes and goats) through the consumption of ingredients (ruminant proteins) taken from BSE-infected cattle.

In particular, you must ensure that:

  • Feed that contains ruminant protein is sold only with the following label on the package, or, if sold in bulk, on the invoice, waybill, or similar documents –

NOTICE: DO NOT FEED TO SHEEP, CATTLE, DEER, GOATS, BUFFALOES, OR OTHER RUMINANT ANIMALS. THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS OR MAY CONTAIN RUMINANT PROTEIN.

  • Feed that may be lawfully fed to ruminants (that is, it does not contain ruminant protein) does not require a label.

(For more information on labelling, please read ‘Labelling Requirements for Feed & Fertiliser’)

  • Feed purchases and sales records are kept for two years in a manner that can be readily retrieved within five working days of a request being made.
  • Feed intended for ruminants is stored in ways that prevent contamination by ruminant protein.
  • Feed is not re-bagged or blended. If you do, you may require a Ruminant Protein Control Programme. For more information on this, read ‘What you need to know about the RPCP?’
  • Staff are fully informed about the requirements of the Regulations.

 

Breaches of the Regulations are liable for fines of up to $5,000 in the case of individuals and $15,000 in the case of corporations.

Page last updated: 8 June 2011