Authorities describe the theft as devastating for farmers and emphasize that livestock theft investigations are complex and span large geographic areas; police are coordinating with producers, saleyards, transport operators, and industry stakeholders to identify offenders.

Detective Senior Sergeant from the rural and stock crime squad notes the theft's complexity and broad geographic scope, and urges anyone with information to come forward.

The investigation relies on collaboration with producers, saleyards, transport operators, and industry stakeholders due to the extensive geographic reach of livestock thefts.

Local authorities say the herd was not stolen in a single night and suggest organized, multi-stage thefts, potentially moving sheep to abattoirs or other destinations.

The sheep are marked with white NLIS tags, which will aid identification and recovery.

The Dorper sheep, including ewes and rams, are tagged with White NLIS identifiers, assisting tracking efforts.

Police emphasize the stolen sheep carry White NLIS tags to support ongoing tracking and recovery.

The theft involved about 5,500 Dorper sheep from a western Queensland farm near Blackall, valued at more than $1.7 million, and occurred between February and May this year.

The sheep were taken from an outback property on Blackall-Isisford Road within the February-to-May window.

The overall value is around $1.7 million, with the theft expected to have taken place in the early part of this year.

Authorities are appealing for public help, asking for tips on suspicious stock movements, transport activity, or unusual behavior in the Isisford-Blackall region.

Rural and Stock Crime Squad officers urge anyone who saw suspicious stock movements or livestock transport activity in the Isisford-Blackall corridor to come forward.