It uses an electronic ear tag or device, marking each animal with its own, individual identification number.
Agriculture Victoria livestock traceability manager Ben Fahy said all cattle, sheep, goats and pigs must be tagged with an NLIS accredited tag, device or tattoo before leaving a property.
“While Agriculture Victoria is the lead agency in relation to livestock traceability related offences and issues, we work closely with Victoria Police when investigating traceability issues that may involve stock theft or possible deception or fraud issues,” Mr Fahy said.
Agriculture Victoria and Victoria Police staff are authorised under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Mr Fahy said Victoria Police have defined Farm Crime Liaison officers who offer expertise and interest in agriculture matters and on farm crime, including stock theft issues.
“Agriculture Victoria and Victoria Police regularly share information in relation to traceability and movements in the livestock sector and work closely in the field where required for current investigations,” he said.
“In the last 12–18 months, working alongside VicPol we have completed some high-profile prosecutions where charges were set under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 and the Crimes Act 1958.
“Our access to valuable export markets relies on our trading partners having confidence the livestock they are importing are backed by a robust traceability system and are healthy, disease-free and residue-free,” Mr Fahy said.
