Transporting Animals in late Pregnancy

New MPI regulation

The Ministry for Primary Industries has advised they will have a greater focus on the transport of pregnant stock this season, specifically when stock give birth in the stock truck or in the stock yards. This has been a specific issue for sheep, although cattle are susceptible also. Any stock in late pregnancy should not be transported.

If a supplier transports stock in late pregnancy, and it gives birth on the truck, or within 24 hours of arrival at the meat processor or sale yards, they are likely to receive a fine of $500 per individual animal from MPI. Pregnancy in yards is specifically prevalent in ewe lambs late in the season. Please ensure you check all livestock consigned for processing and draft off any that are in the later stages of pregnancy.