When will mandatory eID for sheep and goats be implemented in Tasmania?
Tasmania will implement mandatory electronic identification devices (eID) in two stages:
From January 1, 2025:
Sheep and goats born on or after January 1, 2025, must be identified with an eID tag before leaving their birth property.
Individual movements of sheep and goats identified with eID tags must be recorded on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.
From January 1, 2027:
What is an electronic identification (eID)?
Electronic Identification Devices (eID) for sheep and goats are an ear tag or a leg band, that contains radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
The eID has two numbers linked to it:
Both numbers are uploaded to the NLIS database. The NLIS is Australia’s system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep, and goats. Pig traceability is recorded on PigPass.
The
Sheep Producers' website provides an overview of the eID numbers, codes and colours.
Can I use any eID?
No. Only NLIS devices accredited by Integrity Systems Company Ltd (ISC) are allowed to be used in sheep and goats in Tasmania.
These devices:
have undergone years of testing
meet specific quality standards
are uploaded to the PIC on the database when ordered
You can find a list of accredited tags and devices for sheep and goats on Integrity Systems website.
Why is eID being implemented?
In a disease outbreak, it's important to quickly find and track infected animals to stop the spread.
Studies on electronic identification (eID) show that eID are better at tracing sheep and goats than visual tags. In Victoria, data shows that eID tracing takes minutes, compared to several days with the visual system.
EID technology has been used successfully for sheep in Europe and in cattle in Australia for many years.
More information on the benefits of switching to eID:
Why should we implement eID if feral animals can spread emergency animal diseases?
Livestock traceability and feral animal management are both important for controlling the spread of animal diseases.
Feral animals can contribute to the spread of certain livestock diseases but the biggest concern during an outbreak of an emergency animal disease is the transmission between domesticated animals.
Because domestic animals are kept in herds the risk of disease spread is higher. That is why managing livestock movements and ensuring traceability are crucial steps in disease prevention and control.
What Government assistance will be provided to transition to eID?
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) secured $11.66 million over four years to help the industry transition from the mob-based visual ear tag system to electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats.
Support was provided throught three grant rounds. Grant Rounds 1, 2 and 3 are NOW CLOSED.
Can I get a rebate on eID tags?
Rebates on the purchase of eID tags have NOW CLOSED.
Which eID tag should my sheep or goat be identified with?
NLIS Accredited Breeder eID Tags:
NLIS Accredited Post-Breeder eID Tags:
- used to permanently identify animals that have been introduced to a new property and are not already identified with an eID tag or have lost their original tag.
It is essential to use the correct NLIS accredited eID tag for sheep and goats to ensure accurate tracking of their breeding and life history.
Misidentification can lead to errors in tracking animal movements. Each sheep or goat should be identified with only one NLIS accredited eID tag.
Will Tasmania continue to use the current year-of-birth colour system for eID?
Yes, the NLIS Standard for eID allows for year-of-birth colours. The colours are rotated through an eight-year cycle.
Tasmania will continue to strongly recommend use of the year-of-birth colour system for eIDs.
The Sheep Producers' website provides an overview of the eID numbers, codes and colours.
How do I identify older animals leaving my property after 1 January 2027?
Yellow (Generic) Breeder Tag:
Use this tag to identify animals of any age before they leave their property of birth.
Year-of-Birth Breeder Tag:
Use this tag to identify animals based on their year-of-birth before they leave their property of birth.
Pink Post-Breeder Tag:
Use this tag for introduced sheep or goats that have no tag or only have a visual tag.
How can I tell if an eID tag is NLIS accredited?
All devices that are NLIS accredited will have the NLIS logo printed on them.
Can I remove an NLIS accredited tag?
It is an offence to remove an NLIS accredited tag from an animal and apply another tag.
If an animal has lost a tag and is no longer on its PIC of birth, tag the animal with an NLIS-accredited post-breeder device.
How can I transition to using eIDs?
ensure your PIC Registration is up to date
create a login for your NLIS account
research accredited sheep and goat eID tags
decide on suitable eIDs based on applicator compatibility, availability, cost, and business needs.
What equipment will livestock owners need?
Access to eID tag readers (handheld or panel) may be necessary for:
moving stock between different PICs that you run stock on
buying stock privately or direct from another producer
utilising scanning equipment and software to store and analyse data to inform management practices.
EID tag readers are available for hire at
Service Tasmania service centres.
Who is responsible for updating the NLIS database?
When livestock are physically moved, a transfer must be completed on the NLIS database.
The person responsible for updating the NLIS database varies depending on the situation:
saleyard records movements for livestock bought, sold or moved through them
buyers/receivers record direct sales or movements not involving saleyards
vendors/senders are not obligated to record movements off their property, but they can
abattoirs record movements for all received livestock.
How do I record movements of livestock onto my PIC in the NLIS database?
From 1 January 2025 to 1 January 2027, sheep and goats with eIDs and visual tags have different NLIS requirements:
Once a sheep or goat is tagged, will I need to upload these tags into the National Livestock Identification System database?
Once you purchase NLIS accredited eIDs, they are individually registered and uploaded to your PIC on the NLIS database by the manufacturer. Once the sheep or goats move from that PIC, you will need to record these movements yourself.
How can I learn more?
New and important information is commuciated through this website, the Biosecurity Tasmania Facebook page, Biosecurity Advisory Service and letters to PIC holders. If you have identifiable livestock (sheep, goats, cattle or pigs), making sure your PIC details are up to date is the best way to ensure you receive the communication you need.