Certifying Stock for Transport: Who Can Go and Who Can't?

Determining whether a cow is fit to travel can be challenging. Many farmers are unsure about what is acceptable and when a veterinary certificate may be required.

New Zealand animal welfare regulations are clear:

It is illegal to transport an animal unless it is fit enough to withstand the entire journey without suffering unreasonable pain or distress.

Understanding the rules before booking transport can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs.

Cattle That Should Not Be Transported

The following animals should not be loaded onto a truck for transport:

• Cows that are obviously sick or unwell
• Cows unable to bear weight on all four legs (although a mild limp may be acceptable if the animal stands squarely)
• Cows that are likely to calve during transport
• Cows with ingrown or broken horns, or horns likely to injure other animals
• Cows with wounds that could be knocked during transport and begin bleeding

Animals with a badly healed broken leg should also not be transported. Even if the animal is currently bearing weight, the history of the injury and potential welfare concerns can make transport unsuitable. Animals with these conditions are likely to be rejected at processing plants.

When a Veterinary Transport Certificate May Be Possible

Some animals may still be eligible for transport if they are assessed by a veterinarian and issued with a transport certificate.

Examples include:

• Lame but weight-bearing cattle
• Healed or healing wounds
• Cancer eye lesions that are small (less than the size of a one-dollar coin) and not discharging
• Other unusual lumps or growths that do not significantly impact welfare

Each case must be assessed individually.

How Vets Decide Whether to Certify Stock for Transport

The law requires veterinarians to be satisfied that an animal will not suffer unnecessary pain or distress during transport. However, there is often no simple "yes" or "no" answer.

When assessing cattle for transport, veterinarians typically consider:

1. Will the animal suffer during transport?

Animal welfare is always the primary consideration.

2. Is the animal likely to be condemned at the processing plant?

For example, an animal with a large cancerous mass is unlikely to enter the food chain. Subjecting it to transport may not be justifiable.

3. Can the decision be professionally defended?

Veterinarians must be comfortable standing behind their assessment and certification decision.

In situations where the answer is unclear, photos or videos may be sent to the processing plant veterinarian for further guidance before a decision is made.

Important Things Farmers Should Know

There are several factors outside your veterinarian's control:

• Animals requiring a veterinary transport certificate must generally be sent to the closest processing plant, regardless of where you usually send stock.
• Certification decisions may take longer if consultation with processing plant veterinarians is required.
• Veterinary transport certificates cannot be issued for longer than seven days.

Plan Ahead Before Booking Transport

If you are unsure whether a cow is fit for transport, contact your veterinarian early. Having stock assessed before booking a truck can help avoid delays, additional costs, and animal welfare issues.

For advice on cattle transport certification in the Waikato, speak with your local Vetora production animal team.

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