Expressions of interest are invited from farmers and pastoralists throughout the State to host a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) training workshop to help reinforce the State’s biosecurity and traceability measures.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is rolling out the workshops 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.
DPIRD biosecurity officer Jemma Thomas said it was more important than ever for producers to fulfill 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 (FMD) or lumpy skin disease,” she 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.
“The NLIS is also an important tool for endemic tracing of 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.
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.
To request a DPIRD NLIS training workshop contact jemma.thomas@dpird.wa.gov.au or 9821 3222.
The Denmark workshops will be held at the Denmark CRC on Monday, 7 November at either 9am-12pm or 1-4pm, while the Mount Barker CRC workshops are on Tuesday, 8 November at either 9am-12pm or 1-4pm.
To register to attend the Denmark or Mount Barker workshops email heidi.meyer@dpird.wa.gov.au or telephone 9892 8463.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison
+61 (0)8 9368 3937