Livestock
movements, identification and tracing: electronic identification (EID)
in
sheep
Latest news
13 March 2009: Market Road Shows start Friday 13th March and run until 11th May 2009, come and talk to Defra staff about Electronic Identification in Sheep.
13 March 2009: New Electronic Identification Leaflet for Sheep (PDF, 240KB) has been published.
28 January 2008 - News release: Newly Negotiated Sheep EID Rules (announcement on slaughter derogation).
When Electronic identification (EID) for sheep comes into force on 31 December 2009 the slaughter derogation will provide for animals intended for slaughter within 12 months of age not to be electronically identified. Animals subject to this derogation would be identified with a single batch tag (ie with no individual number) and would not be subject to the individual recording requirements. They would continue to be moved and recorded on a batch basis.
Defra plans to consult on the implementation of the new rules ans the use of the Slaughter Derogation in the Spring.
Sheep
Electronic identification (EID) and individual recording is an EU requirement (Regulation 21/2004) which will be mandatory for sheep born on or after 31 December 2009. EID is used to identify livestock and is based on electronic devices and readers (either eartags or boluses).
Benefits of EID
The main benefit is that individual recording of individual animals is quicker, more accurate and easier. There are also other benefits that farmers can take advantage of if they wish, such as management benefits by recording performance data eg milk yield, lambing results, weight, carcase quality etc.Goats
EID will not be mandatory for goats because the UK goat population falls below the 160,000 threshold. However, goats will still need to be individually recorded on a holding register.
Slaughter Derogation
Sheep born after 31 December 2009 will need to be EID’d. However, there is a derogation from the need to electronically identify animals which are intended for slaughter within 12 months of age. Defra is currently discussing with the sheep industry the scope this derogation might take in England.
Traceability
EID and individual recording will help improve our ability to trace animal movements, especially during a disease outbreak. The EU believe individual traceability is essential if the EU is to be able to deal with emerging new diseases such as bluetongue, or whatever else may be on the horizon.
Individual Recording for Movement Documents
The individual recording requirements for are being phased into force for Sheep and Goats.
- no animals have to be individually recorded on a movement document until 1 January 2011;
- no animals born before 31 December 2009 have to be individually recorded on a movement document until 31 December 2011;
- and no animal born before 31 December 2009 and moving to slaughter (directly or via a market) have to be individually recorded on a movement document at all.
Benefits of EID
The main benefit is that individual recording of individual animals is quicker, more accurate and easier. There are also other benefits that farmers can take advantage of if they wish, such as management benefits by recording performance data eg milk yield, lambing results, weight, carcase quality etc.
Minimum requirement for keepers
Keepers will need to ensure that any sheep born after 31 December 2009 (except possibly those intended for slaughter) are identified with an electronic identifier. When these animals move they will need to be individually recorded in the farm register and on movement documents. The date of identification will also need to be individually recorded in the farm register.
Industry involvement in implementing EID
Defra has worked closely with industry since 2003 when the regulation was first adopted and will continue to work closely with regard to implementation.
We have reconvened the EID Co-ordination Group in England. The first meeting was held on 24 June 2008. This group consists of industry representatives and includes independent farmers who were involved in the EID trials and so have valuable experience in the EID field. We will be working with them and industry over the coming months to discuss how we can implement EID in a way which is practical and which the industry can make work.
Page last modified:
13 March, 2009
Page published: 12 February, 2007