Taranaki farmer fined $15,000 for illegal NAIT tag swapping
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
"This will enhance New Zealand's reputation as producers of safe, high quality products and safeguard farmers' incomes, especially with Gypsy Day approaching," said Stu Hutchings, OSPRI New Zealand programme design and farm operations manager.
The following requirements need to be met when moving stock to protect against the spread of bovine TB.
• Check the TB status and testing requirements of the area into which you are moving cattle
• Correctly complete an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form when shifting stock off farm
• If you are located in a movement control area, cattle must have a pre-movement TB test within 60 days of being shifted off farm
• Tag your animals and register them in the NAIT system within seven days of being tagged
• Animal movements must be recorded with NAIT by both the sending and receiving parties
"Email notifications from NAIT now include a direct link to the system where animal movements can be confirmed or rejected in just a few clicks," said Dr Hutchings.
Visit www.nait.co.nz for more information on how to record animal movements. To update your new address and contact details, call TBfree New Zealand on 0800 482 4636 or visit www.tbfree.org.nz
The Selwyn District Council is reminding farmers and motorists to be extra cautious on the roads.
Gypsy Day falls on June 1 and, as the name suggests, it is a day for travelling.
Cows can be moved on Gypsy Day or the days surrounding it. Canterbury is home to over 1.3million cows - half of the South Island's dairy cattle population. Care should be taken when driving on rural roads as many cows will be moving between farms if it's a short distance, or shifted in trucks if they need to travel further.
Farmers droving their stock will need consent from the New Zealand Transport Agency to move cattle along State Highways, and council consent for roads with a 70km/h speed limit and other high volume roads. Cattle must be moved in mobs smaller than 400 on roads in Selwyn.
Drovers are urged wear high visibility garments to ensure they are visible from 150m away by using flashing lights and temporary warning signs.
Gypsy Day tips for farmers:
Plan ahead – choose the most direct route to move cattle and only cross or follow the road if it is necessary. Move stock in the day time and avoid peak driving times. Keep the stock off well maintained verges. If you need consent from the council for the move, apply for one at least two working days in advance. Consent applications can be made online www.selwyn.govt.nz/stock.
Be particularly cautious when moving stock on roads with bends. Signs or a pilot vehicle will be needed around the corner to warn motorists of the stock ahead to avoid a crash.
If moving machinery drive slowly and, if necessary, have a pilot vehicle to warn other drivers of the wide vehicle following.
If you are planning to move stock on Gypsy Day, you may need consent to move your cattle along the road. More information and an online application form are available at www.selwyn.govt.nz/stock. A free Council guide for farmers on droving stock is also available at Selwyn libraries.
