Sheep and Goat Identity Inspections for 2010

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding sheep and goat keepers that the 2010 round of Sheep and Goat Identification Inspections will commence shortly.

Keepers should note that this year, inspectors are required to inspect all of the sheep and goats on the holding.

Keepers are reminded that they must maintain an accurate and up-to-date flock or herd register and ensure that all movement documents are completed accurately and copies retained. They must also ensure that the 2009 Annual Inventory has been returned to DARD and that the inventory details are recorded in the register.

Keepers are also reminded that all sheep and goats should be identified correctly when they are nine months of age of before they leave the holding, whichever occurs first. Any lost tags must be replaced in line with the guidance recently sent to all keepers.

Notes to editors:

1. Sheep EID is an EU obligation under Council Regulation 21/2004 and requires the individual identity of sheep and goats born after 31 December 2009 to be recorded when they are moved. In order to allow this to be achieved for sheep, the Regulation requires them to be identified with an EID device and a conventional tag.
2. Although the Council Regulation is directly applicable here, the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (NI) 2009 define offences, penalties, derogations and some additional provisions necessary to implement the Regulation here.
3. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1505/2006 implements Council Regulation 21/2004 as regards to the minimum level of checks to be carried out in relation to the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.