Pig Ear Tags Australia: PigPass, Tagging Rules & What You Need
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Pig Ear Tags Australia: PigPass, Tagging Rules & What You Need
If you run pigs in Australia, whether it's a commercial piggery, a small hobby herd, or even a couple of pet pigs, you're required to fit pig ear tags and register them through the PigPass system. It's been mandatory since February 2018, and it applies to every pig that leaves a property.
The rules are actually pretty straightforward once you know what goes where. This guide covers everything: which tags go in which ear, when you need them, and how to get them sorted.
What Is PigPass?
PigPass is Australia's national pig identification and traceability system. It's managed by Australian Pork Limited and works alongside the NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) to track pig movements across the country.
Every property that keeps pigs needs a Property Identification Code (PIC), and every pig that moves off your property needs to be tagged and accompanied by a PigPass National Vendor Declaration (NVD).
The system exists for biosecurity and disease traceability, if there's ever an outbreak, authorities need to trace affected animals back to their source quickly.
The Two Types of Pig Ear Tags
There are two types of approved pig ear tags in Australia, and each one goes in a specific ear:
1. Yellow Breeder Tag: LEFT Ear
The yellow breeder tag goes in the pig's left ear. This tag identifies the property of birth.
- Colour: Yellow
- Ear: Left
- Shows: Your PIC (Property Identification Code)
- Used when: The pig is born on your property and may leave at some point
If you breed pigs, this is the first tag they'll get. It stays with them for life.
2. Orange Post-Breeder Tag: RIGHT Ear
The orange post-breeder tag goes in the pig's right ear. This tag identifies the last property the pig was held on before it moved.
- Colour: Orange
- Ear: Right
- Shows: Your PIC (the property sending the pig)
- Used when: You're moving a pig off your property that was not bred there
Quick Summary: Which Tag, Which Ear?
| Tag Type | Colour | Ear | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeder tag | Yellow | Left | Identifies property of birth |
| Post-breeder tag | Orange | Right | Identifies last property before movement |
When Do You Need to Tag?
- Before any pig leaves your property, it must be tagged
- If you bred the pig, it gets a yellow breeder tag in the left ear
- If you bought or received the pig from elsewhere, it gets an orange post-breeder tag in the right ear
- A PigPass NVD must accompany every movement
Do Pet Pigs Need Tags?
Yes, if you move a pet pig off your property for any reason, it needs to be tagged and have a PigPass NVD. You still need a PIC for the property where it's kept.
How to Get a PIC
Contact your state authority:
- NSW: Local Land Services (LLS)
- VIC: Agriculture Victoria
- QLD: Biosecurity Queensland
- SA: PIRSA
- WA: DPIRD
- TAS: Biosecurity Tasmania
Applicators
We stock a range of tag applicators and accessories that work across different tag brands and livestock types.
Can Farm & Acre Co Help With Pig Tags?
Our main focus is cattle and sheep/goat tags through brands like Allflex, FOFIA, and Leader. If you need help sourcing pig tags, get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.