Thinking of breeding sheep?
Livestock identification and movement: sheep
Identification of livestock is required by law under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013 [BAM (IMSA) Regulations]. The regulations also require the use of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). Identifying your livestock assists in maintaining Australia's biosecurity systems that assure trading partners of our ability to trace disease and residue issues effectively. It supports our export, chilled and domestic markets. It also deters theft and assists in recovering stolen animals.
Sheep year of birth colour system
Moving sheep – waybills
Sheep must not be moved off a property without having correct identification and a completed waybill or National Vendor Declaration/waybill (NVD/waybill). The waybill provides proof that stock are being moved with the owner’s consent and it must remain with the stock while they are being transported. The owner or person in charge of the stock at the property of dispatch has the responsibility to accurately complete the waybill and give it to the transporter before the stock are moved. This may not be the current owner if ownership has changed on property prior to transport. The documents must be completed in triplicate and all copies kept for seven years. The original must travel with the stock and be handed to the consignee, or recipient of the stock, at the destination. The carrier retains the first copy and the second copy remains with the consigning owner. An NVD/waybill is a combined form that records sheep movement information and also provides additional information about the food safety and health status of the stock. An NVD/waybill is required whenever livestock are moved for sale, export or slaughter. Access to an NVD/waybill requires accreditation with the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program. Contact 1800 683 111 or go online at www.lpa.com.au. The NVD/waybills are supplied pre-printed with the owner’s PIC as either a book (at a cost) or as an electronic form (free). Plain waybill books are available from the Brands office on 1300 926 547. They are used in particular circumstances when an NVD/waybill is not required, e.g. transporting an animal to the vet or agricultural show.
