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The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has introduced new requirements for the safe transport of livestock by sea, including a lower density of livestock, more information requirements and another level of controls.
The absolute ban on live cattle exports expires on October 23. There is a conditional ban until the end of November, during which the MPI has the discretion to approve the export of cattle by sea subject to the conditions it deems necessary.
It comes after an independent review of the animal welfare assurances the ministry receives from exporters, and was triggered by the loss of the cattle export ship Gulf Livestock 1, which sank with more than 40 crew members and thousands of cows.
The review was led by Mike Heron, QC, and Rear Admiral Tony Parr.
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MPI CEO Ray Smith said he would introduce several additional requirements for the export of livestock until the incoming government could make decisions on a broader review of trade policy.
“We have moved quickly after the Heron review to ensure there are no serious animal welfare issues for the 24,000 cows in pre-export quarantine, which would likely have to be culled if interim measures are not put in place.
“We want to make sure they move safely. It is important to note that New Zealand does not export animals for slaughter, but as breeders. “
Smith said the review found that New Zealand has strong checks and balances to ensure the welfare of livestock transported by sea, but MPI could strengthen parts of the Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) process.
“We will do so because we are committed to ensuring that the crew and animals on livestock export ships are safe,” Smith said.
MPI had received four requests from AWEC for the export of live cattle before the temporary ban was put in place. They were all destined for China. These shipments refer to the 24,000 head of cattle that are currently in pre-export isolation (PEI) on farms, which is equivalent to four shipments.
Animal Genetics Trade Association spokesman David Hayman said these cattle would be exported in four shipments to China as soon as possible.
“The decision means there are vital export earnings in time for Christmas. We can resume trading and pay farmers for the meat and dairy they have ready to sell. There are close to $ 200 million in contracts to close between now and December and we are now confident to honor them.
“Those farmers need every opportunity to maximize stock sales and reduce waste. Suspending their ability to sell their livestock for export was stressful for many who faced a year of drought and uncertain markets leading to a looming historic economic downturn. “
Graham Flett / AP
Gulf Livestock 1 disappeared with more than 40 crew members and thousands of cows on board.
Immediate changes being introduced through the conditional ban period include focused maritime inspection of livestock transport vessels entering New Zealand to transport livestock by Maritime New Zealand as an additional safeguard, restricting the population density in the vessels to 90 percent of current limits to meet new Australian standards, increased requirements for travel notification, including daily veterinary reports during voyages, and increased minimum forage requirements to ensure that at least 20 percent percent of the food is available for unplanned delays during the trip.
Smith said MPI was considering longer-term changes suggested by reviewers, such as requiring more information on Animal Welfare Export Certificate applications and reviewing current rules, guidelines and regulations.
Advice will be provided soon to the incoming government on the broader policy review, which began in 2019, and the independent reviewers’ report will help inform that work. The advice will include further consideration of lower stock density rates for shipments, ”Smith said.
Smith said that the export of livestock is a complex international business that involves farmers, exporters, boat owners, business partners and others.
“Our review found that while the system is robust, there are changes that can be made now to improve the warranties MPI receives.
“I want to thank everyone who participated in the review from those involved in exports, to veterinarians and animal welfare groups. The review showed very clearly that everyone involved is committed to the welfare of people and animals. “
Smith said that during the conditional ban period, MPI would have discretion to consider AWEC requests for livestock exports by sea.
Approval for shipments of livestock would not be granted unless all requirements had been met.
“We are working closely with exporters to ensure that the new requirements are well understood.”
