The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is inviting Expressions of Interest from farmers and pastoralists to host a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) training workshop.
The workshops are being rolled out at the invitation of individual livestock owners, grower groups and organisations, as well as stock agents and other industry stakeholders.
Two workshops are already scheduled for Denmark and Mt. Barker in early November, after an initial workshop was held in Esperance earlier this year.
Biosecurity Officer at the Department, Jemma Thomas said it was more important than ever for producers to fulfil their NLIS stock movement and identification obligations in light of the recent heightened risk of livestock diseases.
“Identifying stock correctly and recording movements is vital, especially in the event of a fast-moving virus, like foot and mouth disease or lumpy skin disease,” Ms Thomas said.
“If an outbreak was to occur, the NLIS database would play a crucial role in tracing infected or suspect infected stock, so it is important to ensure producers are providing the correct information in a timely manner.”
She said the NLIS was also an important tool for tracing of endemic diseases, like footrot.
“The free, three-hour sessions will address how and when to use the database, which tag to put where, and what to do when taking livestock to a show,” Ms Thomas said.
“The importance for all owners of livestock to check brand registrations and update properties that require a Property Identification Code, or PIC, will also be discussed, along with producers’ NLIS responsibilities when purchasing or moving stock.”
