The Department of Veterinary Services wishes to inform the farming community and other stakeholders that the Livestock Identification and Trace-back System (LITS) (Omang wa Dikgomo) will be undergoing a country-wide system upgrade from 23rd January to 3rd February 2012. The exercise will involve moving from the current old version of software applications and supporting processes to a new and upgraded version of the system, with some enhancements. The upgrade is necessary to bring the system in line with current technological advancements and improve the capacity and efficiency of the system.
Because these changes will involve works on the central data base and the associated field equipment, there will be service interruptions in bolus insertions, issuance of livestock movement permits, transfer of cattle ownership and issuance of cattle brand certificates during this period. Manual permits will be issued only for cattle destined for slaughter.
The upgraded system also requires that all farmers should be registered with the Department of Veterinary Services and should possess valid cattle brand certificates.
· Farmer Registration - All farmers will be issued with a system generated Identity Card. The card will be required for all veterinary transactions. Farmers who are already captured in the LITS will be automatically registered and issued farmer ID cards. New farmers will have to register with the department before any services can be provided.
· Cattle Brand Certificates Registration - Only computer generated cattle brand certificates will be recognized by the new system. Therefore, farmers are requested to renew their brand certificates including the manual ones.
It is expected that there will be a period of stabilization after the upgrade, during which time intermittent disruptions to service could be experienced. The department regrets any inconveniences caused.
For further inquiries please contact the LITS office at 3689135 and 3689123.