NLIS is Australia’s system for the identification and tracing of sheep and goats for biosecurity, food safety, product integrity and market access purposes.

To enhance this system, the recording of the movement of mobs of sheep or goats between properties on the NLIS database is being progressively rolled out across all states from 1 July 2010.

This commenced in South Australia on 1 July 2010 and is now required for all movements of sheep and goats.

You Are Responsible
 
Throughout Australia, producers are required to know where the sheep and goats under their management have come from and where they are going. In South Australia this means:

• All sheep and managed goats must be identified with an approved NLIS ear tag before leaving their property – be they destined for a saleyard, abattoir, live export, sale over-the-hooks (OTH) or another property with a different Property Identification Code (PIC).
• When sheep or goats tagged under NLIS are moved to a property with a different PIC, a mob-based movement needs to
  be recorded on the NLIS database.
• All transported sheep and goats, including feral or unmanaged goats, must be accompanied by accurate and
  fully completed movement documents, generally a Livestock Production Assurance National Vendor Declaration
  and Waybill (LPA NVD/Waybill).
• For mixed mobs including multiple PICs, all PICs within the mob must be recorded on the LPA NVD/Waybill, or a
  pink post-breeder ear tag used.

Know Your Obligations

How do I record a mob-based movement?

Under the incoming requirements, the person responsible for the livestock at the destination property will need to record movements of mobs of sheep and goats between properties with different PICs on the NLIS database.

To do this, they log onto the NLIS database via the internet and record the movement within seven days of the movement occurring. They need to either establish an account or access their existing NLIS database account.

This is the same account and database used for cattle: www.nlis.mla.com.au

The following information is then recorded:

• The PIC the sheep or goats came from
• The PIC the sheep or goats were moved to
• The date of the movement
• The number of livestock
• The brand on the last NLIS ear tag applied (vendor’s brand)
• The LPA NVD/Waybill or movement document number

Which ear tags do I use?

All sheep or goats must be identified with approved NLIS ear tags before moving them from the property.

For sheep or goats bred on your property, this means using breeder tags.

For non-vendor bred or introduced sheep or goats that do not already have tags applied, this means using pink post-breeder tags.

For non-vendor bred or introduced sheep or goats that are sti ll wearing their original breeder tags, you must record the PICs from
their tags on the LPA NVD/Waybill or use a pink post-breeder tag.

What movement documents are required?

All sheep and goat movements require original appropriate movement documentation such as a fully completed LPA NVD/Waybill. You must retain all movement documentation on your property for at least three years after the movement of the livestock.

For livestock owners not registered with LPA, an alternative document is available from www.pir.sa.gov.au

What do I do if I am moving sheep or goats interstate?

If sheep or goats are being transported out of South Australia, both South Australian and destination state requirements for NLIS,
livestock movement documentation and health certification must be complied with (along with the requirements of any other state that the livestock pass through during the journey).

Are there exemptions for South Australia Australia?

Exemptions are in place in South Australia for harvested feral or unmanaged goats as well as eligible dairy goats. Contact Primary
Industries and Resources SA for details.

If In Doubt Find Out
 
Primary Industries and Resources SA
Phone: 1800 654 688
www.pir.sa.gov.au  

Meat & Livestock Australia
www.mla.com.au/NLISSheepAndGoats

National Livestock Identification System
www.nlis.mla.com.au