Changes to VIC NLIS requirements
Implementation of electronic identification (eID) of sheep and goats in Victoria is being phased in over a number of years beginning with tagging from January 2017 followed by the commencement of processor scanning from 31 December 2017.
From 31 March 2018 Victorian producers will be required to record movements of individual animals whenever they receive sheep or goats fitted with electronic identification (eID) tags from another property. You will be required to record these movements in the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.
A property-to-property transfer might occur if you buy livestock privately, receive stock on agistment or borrow stock from another producer, or if you transfer sheep or goats between two of your properties which have separate Property Identification Codes (PICs).
The person receiving the consignment is responsible for scanning the individual eIDs and registering the stock movement – that is, whenever sheep or goats are delivered onto your PIC, you must make sure the NLIS database is updated with their eID numbers.
All lambs or kids born since 1 January 2017 must be fitted with individual eID tags before they leave their property of birth. Instructions for ordering tags are on the Agriculture Victoria website: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au.
You can still move animals born before 1 January last year under the original mob-based system.
This new requirement for movement recording by the receiver is part of Victoria’s sheep eID program and is designed to help protect the state’s 20 million sheep and goats and a meat and wool industry valued at $2.7 billion per year.
From 31 December 2017 abattoirs and knackeries have been scanning sheep/goat eID tags on arrival and uploading this information to the NLIS database. From 31 March this year all electronically tagged sheep and goats must be scanned when being moved through saleyards.
A short video produced by Agriculture Victoria explains the process. The video is available in English and four common community languages: Greek, Hindi, Spanish and Arabic. Workshops are being held in Victoria to help producers understand their responsibilities Visit Agriculture Victoria's website for more information
For an overview of how to use NLIS, visit the NLIS website: https://nlis.com.au/Faq/
What is the Victorian EID program?
The Electronic Identification (EID) system uses an electronic ear tag or device, marking each animal with its own, individual identifying number. The EID tag or device contains a microchip that can be read electronically by producers who have a suitable reader (panel or handheld). A short video produced by Agriculture Victoria explains the mandatory use of electronic tags on lambs and kids born in Victoria on or after January 1, 2017 before they are dispatched from their property of birth. The video is available in English, Greek, Hindi, Spanish and Arabic.
What changed from 31st March regarding eID?
From 31 March, 2018 as part of the Victorian EID program, property to property transfers of individually tagged sheep and goats must be recorded on the NLIS database. This is compared to current arrangements which are mob based only. All sheep and goats must be scanned by the producer receiving the animals with the movement details uploaded to the NLIS database within 48 hours.
Why has this change been introduced?
Electronic tags provide an accurate, efficient and reliable tracking method for livestock. In the event of a disease outbreak or food safety related emergency, swift and accurate tracking of sheep and goats will limit the impact.
How do I record property to property transfers on the NLIS database for individual sheep and goats tagged with an electronic ID?
A tech-tip explaining how to complete a transaction on the NLIS database for electronic tags is available here
Can I still move animals born before 1 January, 2017?
Yes, you can still move animals born before 1 January last year under the original mob-based system.
Are any workshops being run to explain what is required regarding eID and NLIS requirements?
Agriculture Victoria is hosting a range of workshops for producers over the coming weeks to understand the requirements. http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/national-livestock-identification-system/nlis-sheep-and-goats/news/learn-how-to-make-property-to-property-transfers-using-the-nlis-database-at-upcoming-workshops
Where can I find more information?
For more information on eID in Victoria visit Agriculture Victoria’s website http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/national-livestock-identification-system/nlis-sheep-and-goats/frequently-asked-questions#ffff http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/national-livestock-identification-system/nlis-sheep-and-goats
