Biosecurity Queensland Deputy Registrar of Brands Pat Kalinowski said up-to-date brand and earmark registration enabled the ownership of livestock to be established and ensures brands were being used correctly.

"Any changes to address, name or other details should be made with the annual return," Mr Kalinowski said.

"Current information ensures owners have valid proof-of-stock-ownership documentation which is important if livestock are sold, lost, displaced during a natural disaster or stolen.

"It is important that earmarks are being used in the correct district for which they are registered and that the brand is correctly registered. The annual brands return process allows this to occur."

Owners can submit their brands return online at http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au /, by phone on 13 25 23 or in person at their local Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation office.

Mr Kalinowski said livestock owners were legally required to renew their brands and earmark registration details each year to avoid cancellation.

"If a brand return is not completed for three consecutive years, the registered brand, earmark and/or tattoo may be cancelled," Mr Kalinowski said.

"Livestock owners will be contacted by mail at their last known address prior to cancellation.

"If owners haven´t kept their details up to date and we can't make contact with them, their brands, earmarks and/or tattoos will be cancelled."

For more information on brands and brands renewal, visit

http://www.biosecu rity.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 25 23.