Help Arrives to Track Lost Cattle
AUSTRALIA - Producers along the flooded Belyando River system can expect to find a lot of 'lost' stock as waters recede. Cattle and horse brands and cattle earmarks will be a quick way of confirming their ownership
1 February 2008
1 minute read
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) industry development officer at Mackay, Ross Dodt, said while there would be significant stock losses, many surviving cattle would turn up at downstream properties.
"Brands and earmarks are quite visible from a distance so stock shouldn't have to be mustered for identification," he said.
"If you have computer access, you can look up DPI&F's cattle and horse brands database at http://ibrands.dpi.qld.gov.au/ by simply inserting the brand to find the registered stock owner."
DPI&F has established the database for recording lost and found stock and to receive requests for emergency fodder drops by contacting the Disaster Recovery Hotline on 1800 440 074.
Mr Dodt said that when cattle were mustered and yarded in the weeks ahead, DPI&F Biosecurity Queensland's National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) officer Doug McNought would be available to assist with the return of cattle to their home properties.
"It is important to ensure these displaced cattle are electronically scanned and the relocation of these animals is recorded into the NLIS database at a time when there are heightened disease and health risks," Mr Dodt said.
DPI&F officers will continue to support flood-affected producers to help them address their livestock and natural resource management implications and links to financial counselling services.
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