The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is reminding livestock producers and industry stakeholders that mandatory electronic identification (eID) is set to take effect from 1 January 2025.

As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance livestock traceability, biosecurity, and disease management, mandatory use of eID devices such as tags for all sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025, are required prior to leaving the property of birth, for property-to-property movements, any sheep or goats with an eID device must be scanned, and the entire movement uploaded to the NLIS database and saleyards and goat depots need to scan eIDs and record individual livestock sheep and goat movements on the NLIS database.

NSW DPIRD Director of Sheep and Goat Traceability, Kiowa Fenner, highlighted the importance of the new requirements in strengthening the integrity of the state’s livestock traceability system, saying these changes will improve the traceability of animals across the supply chain, helping to respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of our agricultural industries.

More information on sheep and goat eID requirements or to access resources on the implementation process, producers is available by visiting the NSW DPIRD website.