I usually write it down (changelog or in the comments) when an import is necessary. Otherwise, an import is not so often necessary. Alternatively, you can also use a version of Kenshi Nexus, which you have to manually update.

The fix came 1H after, there were problems with the mesh, it changes automatically. I also changed the backpack crafting station from the mesh a short time ago, also this one is displayed differently without import.

As a rule, imports are only recommended if I change things in the World Gen, such as new NPCs, places or resources. But that rarely happens.

The last big update was Version 188.

So I shouldn't need to import to fix the mesh for the animal place? How come it's unselectable for me?

in my playthrough the mesh was simply redisplayed, in a lets play what I'm looking at in the GenMod used is also the Backpack Crafting station with new mesh displayed. Why it is not so with you I do not know.