NAIT scheme

The National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme links people, property and livestock in New Zealand. Under the scheme, cattle and deer are traced using NAIT approved radio frequency identification device (RFID) ear tags. Once tagged, these animals are registered in a national database and the details recorded include:

• the animal’s location
• movements in the animal’s life, and
• contact details for the person in charge of that animal.

This provides traceability for individual animals, to enhance New Zealand’s ability to respond quickly if there is a biosecurity incursion such as a disease outbreak.

NAIT essentials

The National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme is mandatory from 1 July 2012 for cattle and 1 March 2013 for deer. This Tagging and registering animals brochure from the NAIT essentials series provides information on your requirements under the NAIT scheme.

Tagging requirements

From 1 July 2012 for cattle, and 1 March 2013 for deer, it will be mandatory for animals to be tagged with NAIT-approved radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags.

• Newborns must be tagged within 180 days of birth, or before their first off-farm movement, whichever comes first
• Existing stock have a three-year grace period to be tagged with NAIT-approved RFID tags, unless they are being moved off-farm.

NAIT recommends tagging animals soon after birth, when they are easier to handle.

If a tag is lost you are required to re-tag the animal.

NAIT tags cannot be reused under any circumstances as the device is unique to a single animal.

NAIT tags can only be removed from live animals by a NAIT officer or a person authorised by NAIT

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