Have your say
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on options to improve the traceability of pigs and sheep in New Zealand.
The proposed options aim to:
- provide a rapid traceability system for pigs and sheep during an outbreak of foot and mouth disease
- improve animal traceability for any future diseases.
This consultation opened on 16 February 2026. All submissions must be received by 5pm on 5 April 2026.
What's being proposed?
MPI is consulting on 3 options. We want to improve our ability to trace pigs and sheep rapidly and accurately during an animal disease response, especially foot and mouth disease. The options are not mutually exclusive because the best option for each species could be different because of their production systems or trade requirements.
Option 1: Retain the status quo – pigs and sheep continue to be traced through animal status declarations under the Animal Products Act 1999 in paper or PDF form.
Option 2: Mandating the use of (mob-level) pig and sheep electronic animal status declarations under the Animal Products Act 1999.
Option 3: Include pigs and sheep as National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) animals under the NAIT Act 2012, at mob level.
Full details are in the consultation document.
Consultation document
Discussion document: Options for improving pig and sheep traceability [PDF, 461 KB]
Related legislation
National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012
Making your submission
Submit your feedback on the options by 5pm on 5 April 2026. We'd prefer you use our online survey but you can also send submissions by email or post.
Online survey
Options for improving pig and sheep traceability – MS Forms
Email submissions
Send your feedback to BiosecurityPartnerships.Policy@mpi.govt.nz
A template is available to help you complete your submission.
Submissions template [DOCX, 744 KB]
Postal submissions
You can post written submissions to:
Pig and Sheep Traceability
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.
What to include in submissions sent by email or post
- The submissions template, if you completed it.
- The title of the consultation document.
- Your name and title.
- Your organisation's name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it).
- Your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).
