Sheep and goat IDs crucial say new authorities
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are working with producers to promote changes to the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for sheep and goats which came into effect on 1 January.
They have also joined a nationwide push to improve the recording of stock movements on National Vendor Declarations (NVDs).
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities State Management Council Animal Health Manager, Stephen Ottaway, said it was now mandatory for all sheep and goats irrespective of age to be NLIS tagged before leaving their property of birth.
“This includes sheep and goats being moved to a saleyard, abattoir, show, between properties, to Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) or roads, for live export or for any other purpose even if the stock remains in the same ownership.
“The previous exemptions for sheep or goats sold over the hooks or born before 1 January 2006 have now been removed. The only exemptions still in place are for feral goats to slaughter and for dairy goats moving between properties or to show.
“The new regulations are designed to ensure the prompt and reliable tracing of animals to help safeguard Australia’s access to valuable export markets,” Stephen Ottaway said.
As well as promoting the new regulations, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are also raising an awareness of the importance of filling out NVDs correctly when recording sheep and goat movements.
“In particular producers must record accurately all the Property Identification Code (PIC) numbers of stock being sold.
“If you did not breed the stock you are about to sell then it’s vital you include all the PIC numbers on the tags of the sheep or lambs for sale in the NVD description box or apply pink post-breeder ear tags,” Stephen Ottaway said.
Recent audits and saleyard monitoring has indicated only about half of all movement documents are currently filled out correctly and include all PIC numbers.
“While there is ongoing debate about the need to introduce mandatory transaction tags for each new owner of stock, producers are urged to fill out their paperwork carefully to ensure both they and the industry are protected.
‘Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are on hand to explain the changes to NLIS for sheep and goats and help producers fill out their NVDs,” Stephen Ottaway said.
Emergency tags and further information is available from your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (formerly Rural Lands Protection Board).
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378