5 things you need to do before you buy cattle

• Register with NAIT and TBfree before you purchase stock – even if you'll only have one animal – and include the location/s animals will be kept. Fines for not complying with NAIT regulations range from $400-$800.

• Register and tag all your stock in NAIT within 180 days of birth or before their first off-farm movement, whichever comes first.

• Record any animal movements to or from your location in NAIT within 48 hours.

• Keep your contact details and animal information updated. This includes recording all on-farm deaths and home kills.

• A seller will require your NAIT number, and it's a good idea to note the seller's NAIT number. A seller will also provide you with an ASD form (Animal Status Declaration) which shows their herd's TB history.

RESOURCES

Both NAIT and TBfree are free national services managed by OSPRI. OSPRI is a not-for-profit limited company, a partnership between primary industries and the government, managing NAIT and TBfree. www.ospri.co.nz/farmers-and-livestockowners/lifestyle-farmers/