Interstate livestock movements

To protect Victoria's livestock and livestock industries, there are controls on the introduction of livestock from other Australian states and territories. These controls are governed by the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994.

Livestock include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camelids (alpaca, llama), horses, deer, poultry, buffalo, camels and bees.

There are separate requirements for the importation of wildlife.

Prior to moving livestock into Victoria, owners must certify the health of their animals by completing:

  • prescribed certificates
  • vendor declarations
  • health declarations

These must be delivered to the receiver of the livestock and must be kept for a specified period of time.

All transportation of livestock into and within Victoria must comply with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock.

Find out more about transporting livestock.

Health and identification entry requirements

Quarantined livestock or diseased livestock, such as those infected with or suspected to be infected with a notifiable disease, are not permitted to enter Victoria unless issued with a licence from the Chief Veterinary Officer Unit.

Species specific identification requirements are covered under Entry requirements for specific species.

Entry requirements for specific species

There are some specific exemptions for the following species:

Properties in Victoria running certain livestock species are required to apply for and have a Property Identification Code.

Diseased livestock forms

Application and licence to introduce diseased livestock into Victoria to an approved property

Application and licence to introduce diseased livestock into Victoria for immediate slaughter

Exemptions

There are currently no entry requirements for the following animals into Victoria:

It is recommended that owners introducing exempted animals to Victoria seek further advice from their private veterinary practitioner about current recommendations for vaccinations and treatments.

For further information about requirements for the introduction of livestock into Victoria please call 136 186.

Tick fever vaccine use in Victoria

The use of tick fever vaccine is no longer regulated in Victoria. Tick fever vaccine may be administered to cattle destined for tick-infested areas of northern Australia or for live export cattle. Cattle that have been vaccinated for babesiosis (tick fever) which are not exported or moved from Victoria (i.e. continue to reside in Victoria) must be identified with a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) device, and the Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer must be notified of the NLIS RFID/tag numbers.

Anaplasmosis and babesiosis (tick fever) are notifiable diseases in Victoria.

Moving livestock from Victoria to other states and territories

For livestock entry requirements to other states and territories, see the below links to the applicable state and territory websites.

Page last updated: 30 Jul 2024