Identifying stray livestock during and after a natural disaster

We may be able to identify stray livestock using National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags, brands and earmarks if they are present.

NLIS devices

We can use the 16-digit identification number on the NLIS device to search the NLIS database for the details of the last known registered property the livestock were on.

Because of privacy requirements, you cannot view this information directly.

Contact us online or by phone with:

• your name
• property address
• phone number
• the 16 visual characters of the NLIS number, either:
  • write down the number correctly
  • take a photo of the tag that clearly shows all the characters, if you can safely do so
  • use an NLIS reader or scanner to read the NLIS tag and download the information to your computer.

You will then be contacted by a Biosecurity Queensland officer.

Brands and earmarks

We may be able to identify the owner of cattle, sheep or goats using the brand and/or earmark.

We can search the brands database for the details of the person who applied the brand or earmark. This might not be the current owner of the livestock.

Because of privacy requirements, you cannot view the contact details of the registered owners of brands or earmarks.

Contact us online or by phone with:

• your name
• property address
• phone number
• details of the brand and/or earmark, either:
  • take a photo that clearly shows the shape and location, if you can safely do so
  • describe the specific shape and location.

You will then be contacted by a Biosecurity Queensland officer.

Cattle

You will need to tell us the specific shape and location of a cattle earmark or brand.

If more than one brand is present, this usually signifies the animal has been cross branded. The second brand (usually lower in position) could be the current owner. However, because cross branding is not compulsory, the evidence from the brand is not always an accurate indication of the current owner.

Sheep and goats

You will need to tell us the specific shape and location of the earmark or paint brand on the sheep or goat.

Unidentifiable livestock

If livestock cannot be identified at all, contact your local council or pound for advice.

Moving stray livestock

Before moving stray livestock from the property, call 13 25 23 to check if there are any movement restrictions or requirements.