NLIS

NLIS is Australia’s system for the permanent identification and lifetime traceability of livestock, bringing together three simple concepts: 

• identification of a physical location for the animal—known as the ‘property identification code’ (PIC) 
• an animal identifier—a visual or electronic tag or brand, known as a ‘device’ 
• a method of correlation and storage—a web-based database. 

The NLIS is designed to record device and PIC statuses and to track devices and corresponding livestock movements for disease control, biosecurity, food safety, market access and other industry-related purposes. The NLIS Alpaca will use a visually readable electronic tag that will stay with each animal for life. 

The AAA has been progressing this project for over 10 years now with progress being made, albeit at a slow rate. We have sourced and achieved a substantial government grant to undertake all the necessary research into the mechanics of its introduction and the national NLIS committee has approved our tag testing program. Purely on the basis of necessity, the tag testing took a number of years to include an assessment of the tag’s durability when worn by an alpaca.

We are addressing the manner in which the NLIS will be managed on an ongoing basis and we are receiving positive guidance from other livestock groups for us to learn from their experience.

The  Australian alpaca and llama industries are working through NLIS database requirements for biosecurity purposes with the Integrity Systems Company. There is still much work to be done before final implementation, however, please be assured the AAA is continuing its efforts to implement the program as soon as is feasibly possible.

At present, there is no requirement for NLIS tags in alpacas in any jurisdcition.  

This page will be updated as further information becomes available.