6. Deer Specific Standards 6.1 Velvet Removal and 6.2 Hard Antler The removal of velvet without veterinary supervision or anaesthesia is a contravention of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and is accordingly a prosecutable criminal offence. Deer antler velvet is a live, vascular and innervated tissue. Deer velvet removal may only be performed by: • A veterinarian • A supervised veterinarian undergraduate • A certified velvetter in accordance with the National Velvetting Standards Body programme. For further information: www.deernz.org/deerhub/deer-information/antlers/velvet/removal The National Velvetting Standards Body (NVSB) is a committee comprising two farmer representatives nominated by deer industry levy payers and approved by the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association Council and two veterinarians nominated by the New Zealand Veterinary Association. The mission of the NVSB is to implement the Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Deer During the Removal of Antlers. www.deernz.org/deerhub/deer-information/antlers/velvet/nvsb www.deernz.org/sites/dinz/files/Velvet%20regs%20handout-August%20(1).pdf
6.3 Housing/Facilities Information can be found here: www.deernz.org.nz/deerhub
6.4 Cervena To be eligible for Cervena™ all animals must meet the criteria laid down by Cervena Trust Limited.
Deer • Sourced from New Zealand deer herds Dama dama and Cervus elaphus • Come from farms that are compliant with the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme, the DeerQA Onfarm Industry Agreed Standards or an approved equivalent scheme • The deer must be three years and under (September 30th year) i.e. under 45 months.
Natural • No steroids or hormones are used in the production of Cervena natural tender venison • Pasture fed – only deer that have been pasture fed as recorded by the Animal Status Declaration are eligible for Cervena • Cervena deer must not have consumed feeds derived from genetically modified plants from 1 January 2019. Cervena deer must only be transported by an operator who is approved by the New Zealand Game Industry Board QA Transport Programme and are sent only to processing plants which are audited and accredited to industry agreed standards. www.cervena.com
32 l New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Handbook Version 3
