DIGITAL LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY SYSTEM, A FIRST FOR NORTH-WEST
PROVINCE
Mahikeng – In an effort to align the agricultural sector of the province with the developments in technologies
globally, MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West has today, Thursday 19
May 2022 announced that the province will soon upgrade the paper-based system of tracing animals to a
modern and computerized livestock identification and traceability system, LITS.
LITS is a national IT database system that will be used to trace animals and animal products from farm to
fork/plate. This is a system that traces not only origin of animals but also chemicals that animals have been
subjected to. It has a great recompense to use in that it helps disease control. With this technology, one can
prevent or know ahead of time the disease status of animals that are allowed to come into the province. The
system can also significantly reduce response time during animal disease outbreak by helping to contain the
introduction and spread of contagious diseases.
When she was speaking at the Legislature today, MEC Desbo Mohono said, introduction of LITS technologies
within the agricultural supply chain promises not only increased efficiencies through enhanced data
management and more robust traceability but also enhanced food safety protocols.
The use of LITS will also open up exotic markets for farmers that were previously closed because of lack
of tracing and identifying of the origin of animals and animal products by the farm where elementary activities
can be accounted for. The system will help to monitor the use of banned substances and antibiotics.
For all of these reasons, introduction of this system will benefit all animal and food producers and processors.
Tel: +27 (18) 389 5719/5684
Fax: +27(18) 384 4571
E-mail:Esetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
AgriCentre Building
Cnr. Dr. James Moroka and
Stadium Rd
Private Bag X2039, Mmabatho 2735
The process has started wherein operators are being registered in the national database. This will be followed
by registering farms and facilities before individual animals are registered. The system is expected to provide
information on animals and animal products and a reliable monitoring mechanism that will strengthen the
government’s regulatory function in the livestock sub-sector.
Other than LITS, MEC Mohono has also announced that the Department will embark on a process of digitizing
the administration of its veterinary laboratory services which will be done through the introduction of
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Ends!
Issued by:
Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684/ Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/dard
Facebook:www.facebook.com/dard
Twitter: @nwpg_dard