A Manjimup producer has been fined for failing to enter details of cattle he purchased into the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

The producer was convicted in the Manjimup Magistrate’s Court this month of two offences occurring in 2010 and 2011.

He was fined $300 and $500 respectively for each offence and also charged $649.70 in costs. The maximum fine for such as offence is $5000 under regulation 84B of the Enzootic Diseases Regulations 1970.

Livestock Industries Senior Veterinary Officer Bob Vassallo said it was very important for producers to record the movements of their livestock in the NLIS.

“The NLIS has been set up to ensure the quality and safety of beef, sheep and goat meat by being able to trace livestock from property of birth to slaughter,” Dr Vassallo said.

“It means we know if an animal has been grazing on a property where it may have been exposed to any chemicals which would make it unsuitable for slaughter and consumption.

“The NLIS is equally important for disease control. If there is an outbreak, it allows us to quickly track where livestock are, where they have been and the likelihood of them being infected with the disease.

“The system can also help producers track livestock which have strayed onto other properties.”

Dr Vassallo said the vast majority of producers complied with NLIS and the department was happy to assist anyone having difficulty using the system.