Switching from the AHB scheme to NAIT
New Zealand has a compulsory ear tag identification programme for cattle and deer so that the source of TB infection can be traced and the spread of TB minimised.
The Ministry for Primary Industries announced in September 2011 that the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme will be introduced for cattle from 1 July 2012 and deer from 1 March 2013. This will replace the current national tagging programme that includes AHB, LIC MINDA and CRV Ambreed identification systems.
Farmers will also no longer have to place AHB-approved secondary ear tags on cattle and deer once the NAIT scheme comes into effect. NAIT scheme radio frequency identification tags will then become the only compulsory tags for livestock. However, any existing official ear tags should not be removed from older stock.
Farmers may still wish to use other tags for management reasons, but that will be their choice. Those who use industry tracing systems, such as LIC MINDA or CRV Ambreed, should seek advice from their usual sources to find out how the change to secondary tagging requirements affects them.
The AHB will work closely with NAIT to make sure the ability to trace and identify suspected or confirmed TB infected cattle and deer is maintained. The NAIT scheme will see the use of radio frequency identification tagging and tracing on farms, stockyards and slaughter premises.
At a glance, what you need to know for cattle:
Switching from the AHB tagging programme over to the new NAIT RFID scheme requires a transition period. The AHB and NAIT have agreed the following tagging requirements for cattle only:
• From 1 November 2011, a NAIT RFID-tag can be used instead of a bar-coded AHB tag for any movement, including to slaughter
• After 1 July 2012, a NAIT tag will be required for all cattle movements and farmers will no longer have to place AHB-approved secondary ear tags on cattle, although offical existing ear tags should not be removed from older stock.
What tags do you need on your stock?
Print the updated tagging advice for farmers here.
Buying and replacing AHB-approved tags
Tags can be ordered from most farm supply outlets, but you will need either an AHB herd registration number, LIC or CRV participant code.
Missing primary or secondary tags should be replaced NAIT scheme radio frequency identification tags,
For all animal ID enquiries, please phone 0800 437 243.
For all enquiries about the NAIT tagging system go to www.nait.co.nz or phone 0800 624 843.