Livestock transitioning to nine-digit cattle eartags

DVS expands identification sequence
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Jacques du Toit
  • 20 Hours Ago

Namibia will transition from eight-digit to nine-digit individual cattle eartags following the depletion of the current numbering sequence in the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Free Zone.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) issued the directive under Veterinary Public Notification No. 05 of 2026 to ensure the continued identification of livestock across the country.

The shift to a nine-digit format is a technical necessity. The existing eight-digit sequence has reached its limit, and expansion is required to maintain the unique identification of cattle.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS) and all related modules have been updated to support this new sequence.

This change applies to visual cattle eartags and will take effect once the new numbering sequence is officially implemented.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Kenneth Kennedy Shoombe confirmed that the national database has been reconfigured to accommodate the additional digit.

Farmers who encounter technical issues or require further information following the implementation are directed to contact the following offices:

  • NamLITS Head Office (Windhoek): +264 61 208 7342 or +264 61 208 7307
  • NamLITS Office (Ondangwa): +264 65 240 833
  • LLPBN (FAN Meat Office): +264 61 275 840