Communique 2

14 August 2024

The National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce (the Taskforce) has met on four occasions since being established by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) in April 2024. The terms of reference of the Taskforce are included in the report of the National Horse Traceability Working Group.

At its most recent meeting on 31 July 2024, the Taskforce received updates on the progress of projects that are underway to support the future introduction of the National Horse Traceability System (NHTS).

Marsden Jacobs and Associates (MJA) is on track to present final reports on its two projects, namely:

• To investigate the feasibility and benefits of improving data collection by commercial and industry horse databases/registries, and
• To consider possible mechanisms for generating the funding needed to implement and maintain Australia’s preferred NHTS, in line with the recommended Option 2 within the December 2022 report on horse traceability prepared by the Working Group.

The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) and Harness Racing Australia (HRA) also reported to the Taskforce on the progress of their two pilot projects that will assist the implementation of the NHTS and are on track to finalise their reports in early October 2024.

• The AHIC is undertaking the ‘Australian Horse Industry Size and Scope Study’ to investigate the size of the horse population and associated economic activity as a base line to help inform strategies for the implementation and maintenance of a NHTS, and
• HRA is undertaking the ‘PICs in Practice’ Traceability Project that will enhance its current horse traceability system by including Property Identification Codes (PICs), horse identification records, enforcement and compliance reports, movement tracking and recording, and proof of concept testing.

Both MJA’s and the pilot project reports will assist the Taskforce in bringing recommendations on the future introduction of the NHTS to the NBC in late 2024.

The Taskforce will next meet in September 2024.

For further information please email horse.traceability@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Ron Glanville
Chair, National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce