Why is the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) being introduced?
Past transaction identification schemes have been effective over many decades for the control and eradication of certain endemic diseases and for managing some residue incidents. But better identification and tracing systems are now needed to provide whole-of-life traceability to maintain consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of meat and to underpin domestic and international trade in livestock and livestock products. This is especially important in the face of increasing global concern about BSE (mad cow disease), where whole-of-life traceability is essential for locating all cattle related to a BSE case. Permanent identification will benefit the livestock industries by: • improving livestock traceability to reduce the impact of livestock disease and residue incidents; • making access to overseas markets more secure; • maintaining consumer confidence in Australian beef and dairy products; • offering producers improved herd management options; and • providing better proof of
