Sheep


>>> PLEASE NOTE <<<

On 17 May 2023, all requirements and conditions for importing animals and animal products into Tasmania were fully enacted under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019, (replacing the now repealed Animal Health Act 1995).

These import requirements and conditions can now be found within one easy to access document, the Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual (TABM):

 Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity Manual (PDF 1Mb)​​​​​​​​​​


Please make a note of the address for this new Manual, as the webpage you are currently viewing is scheduled to be archived.

Please contact Biosecurity Tasmania for further information on tel. 03 6165 3777, or email Biosecurity.Tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au

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​ ​​​​​​​Sheep known to be in their final trimester of pregnancy, or showing signs of advanced pregnancy, should not be transported across Bass Strait, see Animal We​lfare Guidelines - Transport of Livestock Across Bass Strait.

Breeding or stor​e sheep consigned to Tasmania (including Flinders Island)

The following conditions apply for the importation of breeding or store sheep into Tasmania (including Flinders Island):
  • The sheep must be inspected by the owner or person in charge within 7 days prior to movement to Tasmania, and be found free of signs of disease. The flock of origin must not be under any regulatory control due to any disease or condition other than Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD).
  • Ovine Brucellosis, or any other disease notifiable in Tasmania, must not be present or suspected in the flock of origin.
  • All sheep must be accompanied by the following completed and signed forms:
    Health Certificate for Br​eeding or Store Sheep Entering Tasmania,
    - National Ven​​dor Dec​​​laration, and
    - National Sheep H​ealth Declaration.
  • A person authorised by the Chief Veterinary Officer of the exporting state or territory must certify within 7 days of export that to the best of their knowledge, all the above conditions have been met.
  • All certification must be presented to an inspector when the animals arrive in Tasmania.
  • Sheep that are infected, or suspected of being infected, with Ovine Johne's Disease may be imported provided that all other conditions have been met. The purchaser or recipient must be advised of the Ovine Johne's Disease status of the sheep if Ovine Johne's Disease is suspected or confirmed in the flock of origin.
  • The sheep must be free of all types of ticks including cattle tick.
  • A Shearing Ex​emption is required for sheep with more than 25 mm wool.

Sheep for slaughter

  • A completed Health Certificate for Slaughter Sheep Entering Tasmania and National Vendor De​clarations must accompany the shipment.
  • The sheep must be inspected by the owner or person in charge within 7 days prior to movement to Tasmania and must be fit to travel and free of signs of disease.
  • The owner/person in charge must declare that the sheep are consigned for immediate slaughter at a specified abattoir.
  • The sheep must be held at the specified abattoir and slaughtered within 7 days of arriving in Tasmania.

​Sheep returning to Tasmania

Sheep of Tasmanian origin that are returning to Tasmania after attending sales or exhibition at shows require a special authority to be issued for their return to the state​. The importer must ensure the conditions of entry detailed in the special authority are met and that a copy of the special authority accompanies the sheep on arrival back into Tasmania.

  Application for Special Authority to Import Sheep of Tasmanian Origin   (183Kb)​

Note: please lodge your application early, as processing may take up to 10 days.


For further information:

Contact

Animal Disease Enquiries
13 St Johns Avenue
New Town TAS 7008
Phone: 03 6165 3777
Email: AnimalDisease.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au