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NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant says virtual fencing is already delivering benefits on some New Zealand farms, including greater flexibility in pasture management, environmental protection, and reduced reliance on physical fencing.
"Our members working with dairy farmers are already seeing many of these positive benefits.
"The focus now should be on future proofing this technology by ensuring animal welfare remains at the centre of its development, regulation, and use."
The NZVA believes veterinarians have an important role to play in supporting farmers as they adopt new technologies, by carefully selecting which farms and animals will benefit from using the technology, helping ensure animals are appropriately trained, monitored, and managed to achieve the best welfare outcomes.
"Virtual fencing has significant potential, but that potential must be supported by strong welfare safeguards and robust standards. Farmers, technology providers, regulators, and veterinarians all have a role to play in ensuring the technology is designed and used responsibly."
While current research indicates cattle can learn to respond to audio and vibration cues, reducing the need for electrical stimuli over time, the NZVA supports continued independent research to better understand long-term welfare outcomes and ensure standards evolve alongside the technology.
"Virtual fencing is becoming an important part of modern livestock management. The NZVA wants to be part of ensuring its future development is guided by robust science, practical farming experience, and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare."
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