February 7, 2006

Australia spends US$0.9 million to track pigs
 

The Australian government has pledged A$1.2 million (US$0.9 million) to develop and implement the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) in a bid to strengthen security of its livestock and protect exports.

The NLIS will help authorities respond quickly to pest and disease emergencies, said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran.

After the three-year funding period, all pig farms will be identified with a Property Identification Code (PIC) and a national register will link these PICs.

The pork industry will also use the money to establish and maintain a national consultative committee to oversee the implementation of NLIS in the pork industry.

Some money will also be used to work out communication strategies, set up a database and improve the tracing of animal movements.

The government announced in June 2005 it would provide A$5 million (US$3.7 million) to help implement and manage NLIS in livestock industries. Leaders from the various livestock industries submitted business plans and the plan from the pig industry was the latest to be approved, McGauran said.