Siloam Springs, Ark.: Cobb‑Vantress New Zealand (CVNZ), a subsidiary of Cobb-Vantress, LLC., has achieved a major milestone, becoming the first organization in New Zealand to be formally approved for poultry compartment status by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
This landmark approval was granted by MPI after a rigorous evaluation process. This milestone helps ensure that Cobb‑Vantress New Zealand can continue exporting broiler breeding stock to countries accepting compartment status, even in the event of a national disease outbreak, including High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle disease (ND).
The compartment covers CVNZ’s rearing, production farms and hatchery operations. The compartment status applies to HPAI, Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI), Newcastle disease, Salmonella ser. Gallinarum var. Pullorum and Salmonella ser. Gallinarum var. Gallinarum, providing confidence to international customers and trading partners that stringent biosecurity, surveillance, and management systems are in place.
“Achieving compartment status is a very significant accomplishment for our New Zealand team and the wider Cobb‑Vantress organization,” said Roy Mutimer, Vice President EMEA and Asia-Pacific. “This achievement reflects more than a year of rigorous planning, surveillance, validation, and collaboration with MPI and our verification partners to meet one of the highest international standards for poultry disease management.”
First in New Zealand History
Cobb‑Vantress New Zealand’s approval marks the first implementation of poultry compartmentalization in New Zealand’s history, setting a new benchmark for biosecurity and export resilience within the country’s poultry sector.
Under the compartment model, animal health and trade continuity are maintained through strictly controlled biosecurity systems and management practices, rather than being determined solely by regional or national disease status. This approach aligns with international standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and is increasingly critical as global poultry industries face heightened disease risks.
Protecting Customers and Global Supply
For CVNZ customers, the new status provides added assurance of continuity of supply, even during disease events that might otherwise disrupt international trade.
“Compartment status allows us to better help protect our customers, by safeguarding genetic supply chains, and maintaining business continuity under challenging conditions,” added Mutimer. “It reinforces Cobb‑Vantress’ long‑term commitment to New Zealand, our people, and our global customers.”
Ongoing verification of the CVNZ compartment will be conducted by AsureQuality Limited, ensuring stringent compliance with MPI requirements and robust oversight of all approved operations. We look forward to the authorities in importing countries recognizing the CVNZ Compartment and amending import conditions accordingly.
Cobb-Vantress New Zealand Facilities (Aerial Photos)
