Managing livestock during natural disasters
With fires and floods currently impacting many areas of Australia, the ISC Customer Service team has received many questions from producers regarding managing their own stock or stray livestock during natural disasters.
Callum answers some of the common questions below.
How do I get an emergency National Vendor Declaration (NVD) if a natural disaster has occurred/is occurring and I need to relocate my livestock?
If possible, log in to your eNVD account via myMLA and complete the eNVD online yourself.
Alternatively, you can call ISC Customer Service on 1800 683 111. You will need to have your Property Identification Code (PIC) and the destination PIC or location where the livestock will be relocated on hand for the phone call.
How do I get emergency National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags if I have to move untagged livestock during a natural disaster and I don’t have access to any tags?
Call your local state or territory primary industries department for more information. You can find their details on ISC’s handy contacts page.
What should I do if livestock have wandered on to my property during a natural disaster?
There is a four-step process you should follow if livestock have wandered onto your property during a natural disaster.
1. Put the animals into a safe paddock or yard away from your own stock and make sure they have access to water and shade.
2. Check the livestock for NLIS ear tags, management tags, brands or earmarks. You can scan a tag to find out more information, but do not change or upload any information against the tag you have scanned.
3. Contact your local council and state department to report the stray livestock and be ready to provide:
-
- the location of your property
- the number of stray animals you are holding
- any identification details you have found on the animals.
4. The council or state department will contact the owner to notify them that their livestock have been found. The council or state department will then contact you to let you know how the animals will be returned or explain the next steps if no owner can be located at that time.
If livestock have strayed from my property, how will I know if they have been relocated elsewhere?
There are several things you can do to make it easier for the authorities to find your stray livestock.
1. Contact your local council/authorities and state department to let them know livestock have strayed from your property.
2. Ensure your NLIS account and contact details are up to date and accurate. If the tags on the livestock are scanned, you will be notified.
3. If the livestock are located and identified and this information is reported to the local council and state department, you will also be notified.
If livestock have moved to neighbouring properties, consider risks around pest, disease and biosecurity for your own property when you bring them home. The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) Farm Biosecurity Plan template outlines recommended practices for returning livestock to your property.
How do I treat sick, injured or diseased animals during a natural disaster?
Treatment for sick, injured or diseased animals must be provided at the first reasonable opportunity. Providing veterinary care for livestock following a natural disaster may be difficult.
Treatment of animals must be in line with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the relevant species. Regular monitoring of livestock is recommended following a natural disaster.
Restrict unnecessary activity or handling while livestock are recovering. Stress can amplify other issues such as disease, so minimise additional stress. Animals that have been through a natural disaster are susceptible to parasite attack, so monitor for ticks, flies, lice, worms and nuisance insects.
When humane destruction is necessary, appropriate methods must be used by people who have the experience, knowledge, skills and tools outlined in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. Check with your local and state authorities for advice on appropriate carcass disposal methods and specific health risks in your area.
For more information on how ISC can support you during a natural disaster, visit the natural disaster response page on the Integrity Systems website.
More information on managing livestock after a bushfire is available on MLA’s Bushfire Hub.
MLA has addressed frequently asked questions relating to the Queensland floods on the MLA website.