Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb)
If you keep cattle or deer on your lifestyle block, even just one or two animals, you must meet the legal requirements of New Zealand’s TBfree Programme. These rules help control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB)—a serious disease that affects both animal health and the economy.
What is Bovine TB?
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs and lymph nodes of cattle and deer. It can be fatal, and it poses a major biosecurity risk. TB is of particular concern in New Zealand due to the threat it poses to our meat and dairy export markets.
How TB Spreads
In New Zealand, the primary way TB spreads is:
From infected wildlife such as possums and ferrets
Via animal movements—bringing infected cattle or deer into a healthy herd
Legal Requirements for Lifestyle Block Owners
If you keep cattle or deer, you are legally required to follow TBfree guidelines. These include:
1. NAIT Registration and Animal Identification
All cattle and deer must be registered in the NAIT system (National Animal Identification and Tracing) and tagged with a NAIT-approved RFID ear tag.
Animals must be tagged within 180 days of birth or before leaving the property, whichever comes first.
NAIT tags can be purchased from most rural supply stores such as PGG Wrightson or Farmlands.
Once tagged, a NAIT tag must not be removed without NAIT’s approval.
Un-tagged animals cannot legally be moved between properties.
Learn more or register with NAIT at nait.co.nz
2. TB Testing
Once you’re registered with NAIT, a local TBfree technician will manage testing on your property. Testing frequency depends on the TB risk level in your area.
If an animal reacts to a TB test, it may:
Be re-tested
Be directed for slaughter, depending on the risk zone
3. TB Status and Movement Restrictions
Every herd has a TB status:
Clear – no evidence of infection
Infected – confirmed presence of TB
Suspended – status under review, often after missing testing
Your herd’s status affects:
How often your animals must be tested
Whether animals can be moved or sold
If you’re in a Movement Control Area (MCA), additional rules apply:
Animals must be TB tested within 60 days before moving to another property
Animals moving directly to slaughter do not need a TB test
Animals in infected or suspended herds must always be tested before moving
4. Animal Status Declaration (ASD) Forms
All cattle and deer movements must be accompanied by an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form, which details ownership and health history. These forms are mandatory under New Zealand law.
Always complete ASD forms accurately, including the latest TB test results
Retain received forms for at least six months
Order ASD books or download forms from the OSPRI website
5. Buying Livestock
When purchasing animals:
Only buy cattle or deer with a valid NAIT tag and ASD form
Confirm the NAIT movement has been recorded to your property
Don’t accept animals that don’t meet these requirements, it’s illegal.
Summary: Your TBfree Responsibilities
If you keep cattle or deer, here’s what you need to do:
Tag your animals with a NAIT-approved RFID tag. This must be done within 180 days of birth or before the animal leaves your property—whichever comes first.
Register with NAIT and record all cattle and deer movements through the system.
Use Animal Status Declaration (ASD) forms for every movement of cattle or deer off your property. Make sure these forms are completed accurately and keep copies for at least six months.
Follow TB testing requirements as advised by your local TBfree technician. Testing frequency will depend on your herd’s TB status and your location.
If buying livestock, only accept animals that are NAIT-tagged and accompanied by a completed ASD form. Confirm the transfer has been recorded in NAIT before the animals arrive.
If you're in a Movement Control Area, animals must be tested for TB within 60 days of moving. Additional rules apply if your herd is classified as infected or suspended.
Following these rules helps protect your livestock, your livelihood, and New Zealand’s broader farming community.
Final reminder
The friendly neighbour who gives or sells you an unregistered calf might mean well, but they’re handing you a legal nightmare. No NAIT tag, no ASD form, and no recorded movement means you’re carrying the risk, both financially and legally.
