This means three exporters, handling four shipments for the 24,000 cattle currently in quarantine, will need to resubmit their export applications to meet new requirements set by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Exporters will also have to obtain permission from the MPI director-general during the conditional ban, which runs from October 24 to November 30.
MPI has regulated the new requirements for the safe transport of animals by sea following an independent review into the animal welfare assurances MPI receives from exporters.
The review, led by Queen’s Counsel (QC) Mike Heron, found New Zealand had robust checks and balances in place to ensure the welfare of livestock transported by sea, but MPI could strengthen parts of the Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) process.
“Our review found that while the system is robust, there are changes that can be made now to boost the assurances MPI receives,” Heron said.
A review working group, including MPI agriculture business unit members, representatives from the Animal Germplasm Trade Association and veterinarians experienced in live cattle exports by sea, also made additional recommendations.
These include standardising certain aspects of planning and communication carried out by exporters, improving the rigour around developing and monitoring the competence of those working on the vessels and encouraging routine discussion between exporters and MPI about non-compliance to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
MPI Director-General Ray Smith says the additional requirements have been introduced until the incoming government can make decisions about a wider policy review of the trade.
Immediate changes include a Maritime NZ inspection of livestock carrier ships entering NZ to transport livestock; restricting stocking density on vessels to 90% of current limits to match new Australian standards, and increased requirements for voyage reporting, including daily veterinary reports during voyages.
Increased minimum fodder supplies will also be required to ensure at least 20% of feed is available for unplanned delays during the voyage.
“We are working closely with exporters to ensure the new requirements are well understood,” Smith said.
Smith says approval for AWECs will not be granted unless all requirements are met and yet, there are no fixed dates for the shipments.
MPI is considering longer-term changes suggested by the reviewers.
These include more information in AWEC applications and reviewing current rules, guidance and regulations.
“Advice will be provided soon to the incoming government on the wider policy review that started in 2019 and the independent reviewers’ report will help inform that,” Smith said.
Included in the advice will be further consideration of lower density rates for shipments.
The submission of the wider policy review to Minister Damien O’Connor was delayed because of the covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, exporters are working through the processes to get animals on the water.
While some exporters are procuring cattle for future quarantining, Live Export consultant Brent Wallace says there’s no guarantees.
“The priority is to get these (24,000) animals in quarantine on the water and they will take three to four weeks to clear,” he said.
“Some exporters are procuring for future (export) orders but there’s no guarantees at this stage.”
Australian-based exporter Austrex confirmed it had cattle in quarantine with two shipments scheduled before the ban.
“We are concentrating on getting these 12,000 cattle away now and are grateful the review allows us to clear the quarantine,” an Austrex spokesperson said.
“Meantime, we respect the review and on the back of that we are not buying more animals, we will wait and see what develops.”
NZ-based exporter Dave Hayman says Genetics Development NZ has 5000 cattle in quarantine that he expects to go in the next couple of weeks.
“Yes, we are still procuring, we have existing contracts we need to honour, we are continuing to work with farmers to get and test cattle for pre-export isolation,” he said.
