Identification exemptions
Unweaned pigs moved with their correctly identified mother between properties with the same PIC do not need to be identified.
Use of identifiers and equipment
Please note the following:
- You must not take your slap brand or NLIS pig tags off the property they are registered to without a permit from DPIRD.
- NLIS pig tags issued for use on one property cannot be used to identify animals located on another property with a different PIC.
- NLIS pig tags cannot be sold, given away or reused.
- NLIS accredited tags are ordered through your rural supplier or online directly from the manufacturers. You will need to provide your PIC when ordering.
- Once an NLIS tag is attached to a pig, it must not be removed until the animal is processed in an abattoir
Moving pigs
Whether you move one pig, 20 pigs, a Christmas pig or a pet pig off your property, you must have a movement document that accompanies the pigs. This includes movements to other farms or properties where ownership or PIC changes, abattoirs, saleyards or showgrounds.
Pigs must not be moved off a property without a completed waybill or equivalent (PigPass NVD waybill). To create a PigPass NVD waybill, you must be registered with PigPass. The movement documents must be kept for a minimum of seven years.
Ensuring pigs are identified with a tattoo or NLIS tag, moved with a waybill and the movements recorded on the database, ensures that animals can be traced in the event of disease outbreak or chemical residue incident. The waybill also provides proof that stock are being moved with the owner’s consent and it must remain with the stock while they are being transported.
For more information, see the webpage: Moving livestock in Western Australia.
To become registered with Pigpass, contact 1800 001 458 or go online at the Pigpass website.
Updating the NLIS database through PigPass
The movement of pigs to a property with a different PIC must be recorded on the PigPass database within 48 hours of arrival at that PIC. The PigPass database will automatically upload all pig movements to the NLIS database. The receiver of the stock at the destination property or showground is responsible for ensuring this is done, even if they do not do it themselves.
Offences under the BAM (IMSA) Regulations 2013
- possessing stock that are not legally identified
- using another person's registered identifiers – brand, earmark, tattoo
- possessing another person’s registered identification equipment
- applying your tattoo or NLIS tags to animals on another person’s property
- using another person's NLIS tags
- removing NLIS ear tags
- trading or moving animals without correct identification
- failure to transfer animals on the PigPass (NLIS) database after movement to a different PIC.
The penalty for a breach of this legislation may be a fine up to $20,000.
More information
For information on registering as an owner of stock to get your PIC and pig tattoo, see:
- DPIRD website: www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-ownership or
- telephone: 1300 926 547
For information about PigPass:
- telephone: 1800 001 458
- email: helpdesk@pigpass.com.au
- website: www.pigpass.com.au