Livestock movements, identification and tracing: sheep and goats - changes to legislation
Changes to legislation regarding sheep and goat identification in England and Wales
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As you may be aware, European legislation requires the double tagging of sheep and goats. However, the UK has been successful in negotiating an exemption, which means we can continue with our national system of single “holding of birth” tags (UK tags). The exemption expires on 30 June 2007 and its extension will depend on the outcome of a European inspection early next year
In order to secure the exemption until June 2007, the UK has had to agree to three changes in the way we enforce the European Regulation. Firstly, keepers will now be required to replace any lost or illegible tags within 28 days of the loss or damage being noticed. Previously, the requirement had been “as soon as possible but in any case within six months of loss”
The second change is that animals for intra-Community trade (trade between EU Member States) or trade with third countries (countries outside the EU) will require two identical “holding of birth” tags prior to leaving the UK. Previously, an "X" tag had been permissible instead of a second identical UK tag. The second identical UK tag must be applied before the animal leaves the holding where the 30 days residency is completed. We have recently heard of Member States rejecting consignments of animals that are not correctly tagged
The third change is that we have tightened up our enforcement controls and have introduced additional administrative sanctions in the form of whole flock/herd restrictions and individual animal restrictions. These can be applied to keepers who are identified as not complying with the regulations
Customers are reminded of the importance of complying with the regulations on identification and record keeping. Not only is this important in fighting the spread of animal diseases but it is essential if the UK is to secure a further exemption from double tagging
On 11 October 2006, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1505/2006 was adopted as regards the minimum level of checks to be carried out in relation to identification and registration of sheep and goats. This new European Regulation makes it a statutory obligation from January 2007 for Member States to inspect 3% of holdings each year, covering 5% of animals. We have asked the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to undertake these inspections on our behalf. Inspections will consist of a physical check of a sample of animals (to be extended if problems are found) and checks of records, documentation and unused eartags. Holdings will be mostly selected on the basis of risk, which means that keepers who have a history of non-compliance, or who move large number of animals, will be more likely than others to be inspected. A small proportion of holdings will be selected at random, as a comparison. Keepers will be expected to co-operate with the inspector in gathering animals and making available the necessary records and eartags
Local Authorities will continue to undertake inspections of a more general nature, which may still include checks of your sheep and goat records. However, we are trying to encourage Local Authorities to concentrate more on other areas which are not covered by agencies such as the RPA
Page last modified:
11 July, 2008
Page published: 12 February, 2007