Proposed amendments to the Animal Status Declaration form

Consultation background

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sought feedback on proposed changes to the Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form. The ASD form was last changed in 2012. Since then, changes to our trade environment and the Bovine Tuberculosis Programme meant that it was time to update it.

On this page, you can find:

• the proposed new ASD form
• what changes have prompted the update of the ASD form
• how to make a submission
• what will happen after this consultation closes
• information about the purpose and use of the ASD form

Submissions were open between 6 January and 31 January 2025.

Consultation document

Draft Animal Status Declaration (ASD) [PDF, 315 KB]

Related document

The current ASD form [PDF, 442 KB]

Changes that prompted the update of the ASD form

The European Union (EU) has introduced new veterinary medicine regulations to support their actions in combating antimicrobial resistance. The regulations introduce new requirements for the import of animals and animal products from third countries, specifically prohibiting the use of antimicrobial agents administered for the sole purpose of promoting animal growth or increasing yield.

The use of antimicrobials to treat or prevent disease is not affected. For New Zealand, the requirement applies to bovine, ovine, caprine, and cervine species for human consumption. The requirements are already in place and also apply to trade within the EU.

From September 2026, MPI will be required to provide official health certificates for all animals and/or animal products exported to the EU, confirming that they meet the new rules.

To provide this certification, changes to the current Animal Status Declaration (ASD) are needed to include a declaration confirming whether animals have been treated with antimicrobial agents for the sole purpose of promoting animal growth or increasing yield. This will allow MPI to determine market eligibility and facilitate trade with the EU.

About the Animal Status Declaration form

The Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form is a vital component of the market eligibility system that underpins the Government's ability to sign export certificates. It applies to cattle, deer, sheep, lambs, goats, ostriches, emus, horses, alpacas and llamas. A separate ASD is required for pigs.

The purpose of the ASD is to transfer key information about an animal, or group of animals, to the next person in charge of the animals, and ultimately to the processor.

Practices on farms, lifestyle blocks, and other places where food-producing animals are kept, impact on the safety and suitability of animals for processing. It can also affect the resulting animal products' eligibility for trade. Knowledge of these practices is essential for our export trade.

The ASD also incorporates the Bovine Tuberculosis questions required by the Animal Health Board under the Biosecurity (National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Plan) Order 1998. 

The Animal Status Declaration for pigs was not affected by this update.

Find out more

Animal status declarations

About Animal Status Declarations (ASDs) – OSPRI

Biosecurity (National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Plan) Order 1998 – NZ Legislation