Moving cattle during and after a natural disaster

The rules of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) are sufficiently flexible during times of natural disasters to provide cattle owners and producers with a number of options for dealing with displaced cattle.

Some situations have straightforward solutions in relation to NLIS tagging and database transfers and others may require approvals from biosecurity inspectors.

Because of the possibility of disease outbreaks in the aftermath of natural disasters, it is essential to be able to trace cattle.

Movement record requirements within Queensland

You must complete a movement record when moving stock within Queensland, including when cattle are:

Displaced to immediate neighbour

These cattle can be returned home as soon as practical whether NLIS tagged or not. A database transfer is not required.

Displaced further afield—tagged cattle

Tagged cattle can return to their home property. Scan once, then update the database with a 'to' and 'from' transfer for where they were found. Biosecurity Queensland offices in flood areas have scanners available to assist with this process.

Displaced further afield—un-tagged cattle

Owners should discuss the return of these cattle with an inspector to decide how best to identify and record their movements. Three options exist and owners may need to seek advice from their local inspector on the best option for their particular circumstance. Un-tagged cattle not returning to their home property must be tagged with a post-breeder (orange) tag for the property of consignment. The receiver is required to update the NLIS database.

Also consider...

• Find out about the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
• Learn more about moving cattle and buffalo.
• Read about moving livestock into Queensland.
• Learn more about livestock movement records.