Third Phase of Australian NLIS Campaign

AUSTRALIA - Cattle Industry Compensation Funds of almost $487,000 will pay for the third phase of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) information campaign.

24 November 2008

3 minute read

Oceania

NLIS Implementation Working Group chair Mike Norton said the initial phases of the campaign had been enormously successful.

He said key infrastructure for processing and recording stock accurately had been installed in saleyards, export depots and abattoirs; and compliance levels with NLIS cattle identification regulations in WA had reached 99.8 per cent in saleyards.

Mr Norton said the campaign would now focus on helping producers to comply with national database registrations, where current compliance levels were not acceptable.

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"This third phase of the NLIS cattle information campaign aims to improve awareness of the need for PIC to PIC transfers"

NLIS Implementation Working Group chair Mike Norton

“Department of Agriculture and Food data shows that while WA cattle producers are now aware of their identification obligations under NLIS, there is some confusion about what is required when moving cattle from one Property Identification Code (PIC) to another PIC,” he said.

“NLIS regulations require that incoming cattle are transferred to the new PIC within 48 hours of arrival and that all cattle are registered against that PIC before dispatch.”

Mr Norton said department monitoring of cattle arriving at WA saleyards, export depots and abattoirs had shown only 93 per cent of the cattle checked were registered to the correct PIC of dispatch.

“This third phase of the NLIS cattle information campaign aims to improve awareness of the need for PIC to PIC transfers; how to carry out transfers; how the national database works; and the information stored there for use by producers.”

Mr Norton said the department had scheduled on-property compliance checks from December for producers already identified as having consigned stock not registered to their PIC.

“These checks are designed to assist producers to update and keep accurate records of cattle coming onto and leaving their properties, and remove gaps in the traceability of their stock before they leave their property.

“Currently, the department issues a warning letter to producers who supply cattle not registered to their PIC notifying them of their legal responsibilities to transfer cattle when they arrive on their PIC.

“A second offence for the same non-compliance initiates the prosecution process.”

As part of the next phase, Mr Norton said the department had been setting up resources in the regions to improve ease and accuracy of PIC to PIC transfers.

“Thirty-two hand-held scanners have been allocated to regional telecentres for hire to producers, improving the accessibility of electronic technology for scanning and transferring cattle at minimal cost. Subsidies have also been given to third-party providers to buy hand-held scanners,” he said.

“Using the scanners increases not only the accuracy of recording numbers but the safety of those handling the stock.

“Telecentre staff have access to technical help and are trained to assist those who hire the wands to do transfers.”

Mr Norton said handling facilities in saleyards, export depots and abattoirs had also been set up so that incoming stock were accurately recorded and processed.