Apr2014_NEWS FROM UQ VET
Moving Cattle
Moving cattle is not just about getting them on the truck or trailer, unfortunately. There are a number of steps which need to be taken before cattle can be moved.
All cattle require an NLIS (national livestock identification system/scheme) tag. If you purchase cattle they should already have one. If you have bred cattle, then an NLIS tag must be placed in their ear before they leave your property.
QDAFF (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry) can assist you with organising these.
Australia is zoned into tick (cattle tick – boophilus microplus) and tick free zones. We reside in a cattle tick area. As such, before moving cattle to a tick free zone, (for e.g. west towards Toowoomba or south across the border to NSW) you will need to treat your cattle with a product registered for killing cattle tick. How many days before moving you need to treat will depend on the product you use.
Paper work – whether it’s performed initially on line or you obtain a hard copy of the documents, there will be paper work to complete prior to moving any stock.
You will require a Waybill – this document can be obtained from the QDAFF website and will require your details and details of the destination. You will require a PIC number (property identification code) and details about the cattle. This document must be kept for two years – one copy to travel with the stock and be given to the person / company receiving the cattle and the other for you to keep.
The other document you will require if you are moving the cattle between tick zones, is a declaration form. This form requires your details, the destination details and a list of the animals that are being transported. This form accompanies the cattle to a tick inspection centre, where the cattle are inspected, and then treated/sprayed before crossing into a tick free zone. An appointment needs to be made for this procedure. Details can be found on the QDAFF website – www.daff.qld.gov.au .
The QDAFF website has guidelines for transporting stock, including the logistics. It is advised to read through this document to ensure you are meeting the legal and welfare requirements for stock, handlers and vehicle drivers, before commencing your journey.
Links to the QDAFF can be found on our website, www.dayborovet.com.au .
Transporting cattle can be a stressful experience for all concerned, both the stock and the people involved. Ensuring that you have all required documentation and have met the requirements in the guidelines for transporting stock will facilitate a seamless transition and reduce the stress on your stock (and yourself!).
Finally a timely reminder that Hendra is still around with a recent case reported in Bundaberg in March. At this point the vaccination protocol is still 2 vaccinations 3-6 weeks apart followed by a booster at 6 months. This vaccine has so far proven to be 100% effective and we would strongly recommend vaccinating all horses on your property to protect yourself and your horses.
UQ Vets Dayboro
125 McKenzie Street, Dayboro
Ph 3425 1544
