OIA23-0023
13 February 2023
Peter Russell
[FYI request #21568 email]
Dear Peter Russell
Thank you for your email of 16 January 2023 requesting information relating to the approval
of mRNA "Vaccines" for use in animals. Your request has been considered under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA).
You requested the following:
1. Has the use of mRNA "vaccines" in animals been approved by the NZ Government?
If not, what is the timeline for the approval process?
2. What adverse effects can occur in recipient animals as a result of treatment with
mRNA "vaccines"?
3. What components of mRNA "vaccines", or derivatives thereof, used in animals can
enter products destined for human consumption including, but not limited to, meat,
dairy products and eggs?
4. What adverse effects can occur in humans who consume products from animals
treated with mRNA "vaccines"?
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has not received an application for registration of a
mRNA vaccine under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997
(ACVM) for use on animals in New Zealand.
In relation to your query for the timeline approval process of vaccines, this is outlined in the
ACVM Act here:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1997/0087/96.0/DLM414577.html.
Section 16 outlines the process.
In relation to parts two, three and four of your request, MPI does not hold this information
since there have been no mRNA vaccines registered for use in animals.
As such these parts
are refused pursuant to section 18(g) of the OIA -
that the information requested is not held
by the department or venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation.
ACVM Programmes and Appraisals
Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street
PO Box 2526
Wel ington 6140, New Zealand
foodsafety.govt.nz
Should you have any concerns with this response, I would encourage you to raise these with
the Ministry for Primary Industries at
[email address]. Alternatively, you
are advised of your right to also raise any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Contact details are: Office of the Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143 or at
[email address]. Yours sincerely
Allan Kinsella
Director Assurance
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