December 15, 2005

Australia gives A$2.5 million to implement sheep, goat ID systems

The Australian government will set aside A$2.5 million to fund the national identification and tracing system for the sheep and goat industries, announced Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Minister Peter McGauran.

The funding for the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is part of a broad-based risk management programme for the sheep and goat industries and will be used over a three-year period.

Part of the funds will be used for a national communication and extension programme, at a cost of A$350,000. Another A$1,090,000 will be used to support research, analysis and pilot programmes to help implement NLIS in the two industries.

An independent review of the NLIS for sheep will take place in 2007 to determine the effectiveness of the system, McGauran said.

The NLIS is aimed at helping Australian industries respond quickly to national pest or disease emergencies, thus maintaining Australia's animal health record and the industries' reputation in world markets.