Deer farms across the state are being inspected to ensure all farmers understand their obligations to keep stock secure, with inspections to include ear tagging checks for the first time.
State deer control coordinator Jennifer Gillis said farmed deer must be securely confined to ensure they were not confused with feral deer.
"These inspections by the Landscape Board staff, supported by the Department (of Primary Industries and Regions), are regularly undertaken, but for the first time this will include checks in relation to ear tagging," she said.
"Keeping farmed deer securely confined maximises productivity of the deer industry and ensures that feral deer cannot jump into deer farms.
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"Fencing standards are also in place to not only ensure boundary fences are constructed, but also properly maintained to prevent escape of deer. "
Farmed deer are livestock, and must be registered with PIRSA under a Property Identification Code.
In an effort to help identify any farmed animal that may escape, farmed deer older than 12 months of age must also have a permanent ear tag linked to that PIC.
Plus, deer of any age must be tagged if they are moved from a property.
The SA Deer Policy, which outlines deer keeper responsibilities for fencing standards and ear tagging requirements, is available online here.
Any escaped tagged deer should be reported to the nearest regional Landscape Board office.
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