Neil Daniell, Barachel Alpacas, Wool Bay, believes in a national livestock identification system (NLIS) for alpacas and llamas.

“As our industry continues to grow, it is essential that we have in place systems that track stock movements should such an animal disease outbreak occur. The alpaca and llama industries recognise their responsibilities in terms of bio-security and are willing to work with other sectors to support these responsibilities.

“Identification and traceability is integral to the future development of the industry,” he said this week.

The Australian Alpaca Association, Australasian Alpaca Breeders Association and the Llama Association of Australasia are in full support of a national identification system, and are working together with the support of the NLIS Alpaca and Llama National Consultative Committee (NCC) to progress its development.

The NLIS (Alpaca and Llama) NCC represents industry, the Australian Government, state and territory governments, Meat and Livestock Australia and Animal Health Australia.

“NLIS is already in use and has a proven track record with other livestock industries, and it is with this in mind that we are looking for the best option for our industry,” Neil said.

The alpaca and llama industry has considered a number of identification options including ear tags, brands, tattoos, subcutaneous microchips and rumen boluses. Ear tags were the preferred option for alpacas but new technologies have given rise to the electronic ear tags. These tags provide additional benefits to the visual ear tag allowing the tag to be read manually or scanned with an electronic reader. Llamas will also have the option of using subcutaneous microchips.

Trials of the electronic tags, which will cost around $2 each, will commence very shortly.

“Current estimates indicate that the national flock size is in excess of 150,000 so we see this as the perfect opportunity to put in place an effective tracking system for our industry,” Neil said.

“No matter what system we introduce, there will be some initial costs to get it up and running but in the long run it is cheap insurance compared to dealing with a disease outbreak in our industry.”

For further information visit www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au.