COMPLIANCE with animal welfare and National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) requirements was a “pleasing” 100 per cent at the annual Casterton weaner sales held last week.
District Animal Health Officer, Emile Huglin, who along with District Veterinary Officer Elle Moyle, looks after Casterton and Hamilton saleyards, said their attendance at the sales was more about engaging with agents, vendors, transporters and buyers as well as checking compliance.
The recent visits were over and above the regulated number of visits required under legislation.
She said the visit allowed them to check the welfare of stock to ensure all animals were fit for transport and not suffering any disease or injury.
NLIS tags were also checked prior to stock being dispatched from the yards -- with 100 per cent compliance.
It was a great opportunity to communicate with all sections of the industry in a positive way, not just when carrying out their regulatory role.
She said there was a lot of community engagement work done in October last year to ensure that producers were aware of their obligations under the biosecurity requirements.
Stock agents in the area had been proactive in ensuring that Johnes Beef Assurance Score (JBAS) numbers were available for the sales.