Livestock movements, identification and tracing: Q&A for the Introduction of Double-Tagging for Sheep and Goats on 11 January 2008
Q. Why is double-tagging being introduced?
A. European legislation has required it since July 2005. The UK initially obtained a derogation which allowed us to keep our national system. However we lost this in the summer, due largely to poor compliance with the rules, and we are now having to introduce double-tagging (or one tag and a tattoo).
Q. When will double-tagging be introduced?
A. The new legislation will take effect on 11 January 2008. Any animal born on or after 11 January, or not yet officially identified by this date, should be tagged according to the new rules.
Q. What happens about the identification of Older Animals?
A. Animals that have been identified before 11 January 2008 with an Official UK tag* can continue to be identified with a single ear tag. No additional tags are needed.
Q. Will double-tagging apply to all animals?
A. No. Only animals which are NOT intended for slaughter within the UK by 12 months of age need to be double-tagged. All other animals can still be single-tagged.
Q. Must the two tags be identical?
A. The identification numbers on the two tags must be identical, when first applied. However, where an animal originally intended for slaughter is retained for breeding, a keeper can either; a) apply a match-up tag (i.e. identical flock and individual number) or b) insert a new set of double tags (leaving the existing tag in place). Keepers can continue to choose different styles or colours (except red) for their tags.
Q. Which ears should the two tags be applied to?
A. We advise that one tag should be applied to each ear. For single tagged animals, we recommend for the tag to be inserted into the left ear. Advice on tagging can be found on the DEFRA website, at http://defra.gov.uk/animalh/id-move/sheep-goats/tagging.htm.
Q. Will tattoos still be allowed?
A. Although we refer to “double-tagging”, tattoos are allowed as a secondary means of identification. This means that, provided an animal has one tag, the second means of identification can be a tattoo. The tattoo should be in the same format as an official UK tag.
Q. How do I identify animals intended for slaughter?
A. Animals which are intended for domestic slaughter within 12 months of age may be identified by a single Official UK tag* which must be applied within six months of birth for intensively reared animals or within 9 months of birth for extensively reared animals, or, in any event, before movement off the birth holding.
Q. If slaughter animals reach 12 months of age will they need to be double tagged?
A. If you keep a single-tagged animal which has reached 12 months of age, then you must
double-tag the animal by either, a) applying an identical match-up tag, i.e. one with the same identification number. If you are matching up an R tag, then the additional tag you are applying must also be an R tag. Or b) apply two new UK tags, bearing your own UK flock or herd mark and cross-reference the number in your flock/herd register.
Q. What are the rules for replacement identification for double tagged animals?
A. See tables 1&2 at Annex A.
Q. What are the rules for replacement identification for single tagged animals?
A. See table 3 at Annex A.
Q. Can management information still be used on an ear tag?
A. Yes. Management information can continue to be used provided it comes after the official number and is separated so as not to be confused with the official number. This can be achieved by using adequate space, -, /, etc.
Q. Can keepers choose different colours for their ear tags?
A. Yes. Keepers can use any colour except Red, as this is used for replacement tags.
Q. Will movement tags (S tags) still be required?
A. No. S movement tags will no longer be necessary for any animals moved after 11 January 2008. If an S tag is lost from an animal moved prior to 11 January 2008 it does not have to be replaced.
Q. Will S baseline tags still be required?
A. No. Under the new rules, animals which are not already identified with an individual
number must be double-tagged. If an animal is identified with an S Baseline tag prior to 11 January 2008 the animal can be moved without any further identification.
Q. Will F tags still be required for imported animals?
A. No. Animals entering the UK from outside the EU will require UK tags rather than F tags. Animals entering from within the EU will retain their existing double tags applied in the country of origin, and do not require further tagging.
Animals from Northern Ireland must be tagged according to the same rules that apply in GB, i.e. any animal which has been officially identified after 11 January 2008 must be double tagged, unless it is intended for slaughter in the UK before 12 months of age. All other animals can be single tagged.
Q. Will the requirements for tagging animals for export change?
A. Yes. Exporters can apply two new identical UK tags to single-tagged animals, rather than having to apply an identical “match-up” tag. However, the two new UK tags would have to be cross-referenced to the existing single tag and exporters should first check with the authorities of the importing country that these arrangements are acceptable to them. All animals consigned for export must be identified with two identical ear tags; tattoos are not permitted. Tags must be Official UK format*.
Q. Are the rules the same for goats?
A. Yes.
Q. Has the holding register changed?
A. Movement details must continue to be recorded in the register within 36 hours of the movement taking place; however, the holding register has been simplified. Individual animal details or flock mark details will not need to be recorded – except where animals are being imported from third countries or are being exported. Also, it is no longer necessary to record lot numbers in cases where the animal arrived from a market.
For movements off the holding, keepers have the option of retaining a copy of the movement document rather than recording the movement in the register. If the keeper decides to retain the movement document, they must ensure that all movement documents are kept with the register, in order of date.
Movements between separate land parcels within the holding no longer have to be recorded in the holding register.
Q. Do Defra provide holding registers?
A. Yes. All registered sheep and goat keepers will be sent a holding register (otherwise referred to as the flock/herd register) on 4 January 2008. Whilst it is not compulsory for keepers to use the model provided, keepers are encouraged to do so to help improve levels of compliance. If keepers choose to use an alternative method, they should ensure they record all the information provided for within the Defra pro-forma.
Copies must be available for inspection on the holding at all times.
Q. Do we still need movement documents?
A. Yes. All movements between holdings must be accompanied by a movement document. Keepers should complete a movement document each time they move their animals. It is no longer necessary to record the flock or herd mark of the animals being moved. Also, it is no longer necessary to record lot numbers in cases where the animal arrived from a market
Q. Are the double-tagging rules the same throughout the UK?
A. There are some minor variations within GB. The regulation will be implemented differently in Northern Ireland – but we don’t yet have full details regarding how this will work.
Q. Where can I obtain further information?
A. Detailed guidance 
(312 KB) has been produced and will be sent to all registered sheep and goat keepers on 4 January 2008.
*UK + flock mark of birth + individual number (up to a maximum of 6 digits)
Table 1: Rules for Replacing Lost Tags from Double Tagged Animals. Annex A
Animal still on birth holding |
Animal not on holding of birth |
||
| Doubletagged animal born in the UK |
If one tag is lost or illegible and another tag remains |
Replace with an identical tag OR apply another UK tag with a different individual number. |
a) Replace with either: • an identical tag OR • another UK tag obtained from the keeper of the animal’s birth holding OR • a single R tag. b) If you apply an R tag, crossreference in your flock register table the full identification number on the R tag (in column 4) with the letter (UK, R, etc) and the flock or herd mark on the remaining tag (in columns 5 & 6). |
| If both tags are lost or illegible & you know the number of the lost or illegible tags |
Replace with two identical tags OR apply two new UK tags with the same individual number as each other. |
a) Replace with either: • two identical tags OR • two UK tags obtained from the keeper of the animal’s birth holding OR • two R tags (these will have different individual numbers) b) If you apply R tags, crossreference in your flock register table the full identification numbers on the R tags (in column 4) with the letter (UK, R, etc.) and the flock or herd mark on the lost or illegible tags (in columns 5 & 6). If the numbers on the lost or illegible tags are different, select the UK tag, if possible. |
|
| If both tags are lost or illegible & you don’t know the number of the lost or illegible tags |
Replace with two new identical UK tags |
Apply two new R tags. Note: the R tags will have different individual numbers. |
Note: a) For double-tagged animals – provided the animal has one tag, the second identifier may be a
tattoo (but animals require two tags to be exported).
Table 2: Rules for Replacing Lost Tags for Double-Tagged Animals Imported From Another EU Country. Annex A
| If one tag is lost or illegible and another tag remains |
a) Replace with an identical tag or with an R tag. b) If you apply an R tag, cross-reference in your flock register table the full identification number on the R tag (in column 4) with the full identification number on the remaining tag (in columns 5 & 6). |
| If both tags are lost or illegible & you know the number of the lost or illegible tags |
a) Replace with two identical tags or with two R tags. Note: the R tags will have different individual numbers. b) If you apply R tags, cross-reference in your flock register table the full identification numbers on the R tags (in column 4) with the full identification number on the lost or illegible tags (in columns 5 & 6). If the numbers on the lost or illegible tags are different, select the tag applied in the country of origin, if possible. |
| If both tags are lost or illegible & you don’t know the number of the lost or illegible tags |
Apply two new R tags. Note: the R tags will have different individual numbers. |
Notes: For double-tagged animals – provided the animal has one tag, the second identifier may be a
tattoo (but animals require two tags to be exported).
Table 3: Rules for Replacing Lost Tags from Single Tagged Animals. Annex A
| Animal still on birth holding |
Animal not on holding of birth |
||
| Singletagged animal destined for slaughter in UK before 12 months of age |
If you know number of the lost or illegible tag |
Replace with an identical tag OR apply another UK tag with a different individual number. |
a) Replace with either: • an identical tag OR • another UK tag obtained from the keeper of the animal’s birth holding OR • a single R tag. b) If you apply an R tag, crossreference in your flock register table the full identification number on the R tag (in column 4) with the letter (UK, R, etc.) and the flock or herd mark on the lost or illegible tag (in columns 5 & 6). |
| If you don’t know the number of the lost or illegible tag |
Apply another UK tag with a different individual number. |
Apply a single R tag. |
Page last modified:
11 July, 2008
Page published:
11 July, 2008