We have two big transport events coming up: 1st May (heifers and yearlings) and 1st June (Gypsy Day for cows and farms). 

With COVID 19 restrictions, some trucking companies and other stock receivers such as meat processors are asking that we use electronic versions of the ASD (Animal Status Declaration) cards that normally travels with the truck driver to the stock destination. If you are asked to do this, the provider of the electronic form is OSPRI and they are using eASD, an app which can be found at easd.nz 
 
Allow plenty of time to fill in the form on the app. As with anything new, it takes a little while to find your way around, and the questions are much more involved than on the current paper ASD form. If electronics fail, fill in your ASD on paper then take a photo and send it to the relevant parties as a text or email ? 
 
The stock need to be prepared for travel. First, they must be FIT for travel, which means to be able to stand on all four feet and to walk normally, to be at or above body condition score 3 and to be fit and healthy. Use this  guideline  to help you or the Fit for Transport App which can be downloaded at the MPI  website  to check if you are unsure. You can always ask your veterinarian who will be happy to help. Remember that by signing the ASD or eASD you are agreeing to the fact that your animals are fit for transport and that they fulfil the guidelines under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. 
 
Preparation: ruminants (adult cattle, sheep, deer and goats) should be off grass or green feed for at least 4 hours before travel. The total time off feed should be no more than 12 hours, and they must have access to water during the stand off period. Again, your friendly veterinarian and the DairyNZ website are great  resources.
 
Cows within 1 month of calving and lactating cows need extra preparation with provision of roughage: silage, hay or straw in their diet prior to transport and during stand off as well as water, along with adequate magnesium and calcium supplementation.