We want to ensure foot and mouth disease is not brought to New Zealand
New Zealand has enhanced screening in place for travellers from countries with foot and mouth disease.
These travellers:
- may have their footwear disinfected
- may be asked more questions by quarantine officers to assess their risk, especially if they have declared equipment used outdoors or with animals, or have visited a rural or wilderness area
- may have their baggage searched.
Examples of extra questions you may be asked
Passengers arriving from countries where foot and mouth disease is present may be asked extra biosecurity questions upon arrival. These include:
- Have you been in contact with any wildlife or livestock such as cattle, pigs, or goats?
- Have you visited any farmland (including rice fields)?
- Do you have any shoes or equipment contaminated with soil or that have been on any farmlands or rice fields?
- Do you have any animal products such as food items and souvenirs such as skulls and untanned leather?
Make sure you give honest answers. A false declaration may incur a $400 fine.
All travellers can help protect New Zealand
Travellers can protect New Zealand from foot and mouth disease by:
- avoiding contact with wildlife or livestock, such as cattle, pigs, or goats
- avoiding visiting farmlands or rice fields
- making sure shoes and clothing are free of any soil or dirt
- avoiding bringing back risk items, including souvenirs such as skulls or untanned leather souvenirs
- staying away from New Zealand farms or livestock for at least a week after arrival.
