Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor announced the moves after pressure from farmers.
The changes being made can be done quickly without legislation.
They include the Primary Industries Ministry directly informing neighbouring farms of infected properties or high-risk properties.
“This is a measured step that balances the privacy concerns of individuals with the need for farmers to protect their own farms.”
MPI will also publish a list of Nait numbers of all affected animals on its website, including all animals associated with or traced from an infected property.
“This will give farmers better information to make informed decisions when purchasing new stock.”
MPI will do more to ensure enforcement of the Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form. It is a legal requirement for the form to accompany cattle when a stock sale takes place.
Regulation and legislation changes are also being considered, including amending the Animal Products Act to add a new offence for failing to use the form correctly, amending the Nait Act to bring its search powers in line with the Search and Surveillance Act and new rules to control the use of discarded milk.
