Livestock Identification and Traceability System

Under the current Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) second phase of the Core Agricultural Support Program (CASP II), the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) aims to be recognized as the leading producer of safe food, using climate-friendly agricultural practices, and is integrated into global markets through regional economic corridors.

Livestock are a strategic part of the small-farm economy in the Greater Mekong subregion (GMS).

Animal diseases, including Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs), still represent a major constraint to production, trade and livelihoods in these areas. Animal movement and the informal livestock trade, within and between various countries in the region, are the major means of transmitting and spreading TAD. The lack of understanding of the risks of TAD, and fears among smallholders and traders, of excessive charges and restrictions, limit formal opportunities for an expansion of interregional trade in livestock and livestock products. Both the control of animal diseases and access to high value markets require proper identification and traceability systems that are so far under-developed or not available in these areas.

The Livestock Identification and Traceability Specialist will work under the guidance of WGA Advisor, WGA Manager, and ADB Project Officer in coordination with relevant specialists in providing technical and managerial expertise in designing a framework (which can be implemented online) from which to base LITS for pilot projects for biosecurity and food safety for farmers and key actors. Simplicity, sustainability and cost efficiency should be the main guiding principles for the design of LITS. LITS should be harmonized at regional level. Communication with all stakeholders should be maintained throughout the development and implementation of LITS.