BCMS Enables Cattle Keepers to Opt Out of receiving Paper Application Forms

After listening to customers who use CTS Online and farm software packages, the British Cattle Movement Service has changed its computer system to allow cattle keepers to no longer receive paper applications forms.

Recent figures for the return of paper application forms have shown a significant drop as more and more keepers choose to use CTS Online and CTS Web services to report births, movements and unregistered deaths of cattle. Only 30% of calves are now registered using paper, and figures for last year show only 34% of the paper application forms sent out were returned.

Using ‘e’ channels is already a quicker more reliable and accurate way to apply for calf registration, and it is hoped that this move will also provide environmental savings.

Keepers who wish to opt out can e-mail BCMS at ctsonline@bcms.rpa.gsi.gov.uk, or contact their Helpline (English 0845 050 1234, Welsh 0845 050 3456).  BCMS will still be able to send blank forms in an emergency, if for example a keeper is having computer or internet problems.  Keepers can go back to receiving forms at any time upon request.

Page last modified:01 September 2008
Page published:30 June 2008

Animal Health is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and also works on behalf of the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government and the Food Standards Agency