MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
Instead, agriculture ministers have opted to improve the mob-based National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) already used to trace animals from property of birth to slaughter for the purpose of biosecurity, meat safety, product integrity and market access.
State and territory governments will improve NLIS either by enhancing the mob-based system or by introducing electronic identification ear tags.
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, who chaired a forum on the issue, said the NLIS decision will improve traceability with the least possible burden on producers, given EID tags cost A80c to A$1.60/animal.
“These are costs that would need to be met by each state and the industry itself. Forcing electronic identification systems onto the entire industry can’t be justified in the current environment.”
In opting for enhancing the current mob-based system, Department of Agriculture researchers have recommended the costs and benefits of transitioning from a mob-based system to an EID system be reviewed within five years. – Alan Harman
