The Tasmanian Government is updating the State’s biosecurity regulations for livestock traceability to provide strong measures now and for the future.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said strong traceability measures would further protect the agriculture industry in Tasmania.
“Livestock identification and traceability is essential to protect the livestock industry from pests and diseases, including emergency animal diseases, and provide the level of food safety assurance required for customers and consumers,” Minister Howlett said.
“Public consultation is now open for the draft Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations and I urge Tasmanians to provide their feedback.
“In Tasmania, livestock traceability is currently regulated under the Animal (Brands and Movement) Act 1984 and the general biosecurity direction (Livestock Traceability).
“The Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations are being developed under the Biosecurity Act 2019. Once enacted, the Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations will replace the Animal (Brands and Movement) Act 1984 and the general biosecurity direction (Livestock Traceability).
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future reaffirms the vital role agriculture plays in the Tasmanian economy, which is why it is so important to have strong traceability measures in place.
“The draft regulations include Property Identification Codes, identification of livestock, requirements for livestock owners and supply chain participants, and Tasmanian and national livestock registers.
“The new regulations provide a framework that enable some obligations to be met through standards. Detailed requirements on how to identify cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs will be outlined in a set of animal identification standards, which will be given a head of power under the Regulations.”
The public consultation is open until 7 August 2024.
The draft regulations, animal identification standards, and accompanying information guide can be viewed at www.nre.tas.gov.au/ltr
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