August 2, 2005

New Zealand may overhaul cattle ID system
 

A New Zealand government advisory group has recommended that the current cattle tagging and identification systems be overhauled.

The Meat and Wool New Zealand report, released by the Animal Identification and Traceability Working Group, proposed for a mandatory animal identification system in the country by October 2007.

The system is expected to boost meat exports as the system will further reassure global consumers of New Zealand's meat quality.

Currently, farm animals are monitored only through voluntary schemes. However, there are loopholes in the systems and the schemes do not even cover all farm animals. A new system would cover the length and breadth of the local farm animal trade, monitoring animals from farm to slaughterhouse.

Most importantly, the new system will increase the speed of identifying and containing BSE-infected animals should it happen, thus helping to reduce the possibility of meat exports from being banned by major trading partners.

About 85 percent of New Zealand¡'s meat is exported. However, there has been a 17 percent decline in meat exports in 2004, which could partly explain the authorities' move to recommend a compulsory animal ID system now.