The importance of biosecurity and animal welfare to livestock industries in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aotearoa New Zealand’s livestock industries are well served by regulatory systems for biosecurity and animal welfare. These systems have been developed over many decades within the context of high economic value, including export earnings, from industry outputs. System participants across policymakers, animal industries and advocacy groups are highly engaged. Under intense current scrutiny from the perspective of environmental sustainability, the sector also remains at risk from external and internal threats in the form of disease outbreaks and erosion of social license associated with husbandry practices in a society where the urban and rural divide continues to grow. This article explores the local and international context for these challenges, and re-affirms the importance of commitment to multilateral institutions, national good regulatory practices and inclusive governance.