Deadline fast approaching for sheep and goat tagging

A final reminder from DARD that all sheep and goat keepers to identify their animals by nine months of age.

Sheep and goats that have not left the holding of birth must be correctly identified by the time they reach nine months of age (or six months if normally housed overnight).

Keepers are also reminded that lost tags must be replaced within 28 days of discovery and before the animal leaves the holding. It is important for traceability purposes that red replacement tags are applied if the animal is no longer on the holding of birth. Replacement tags must be recorded in the flock register and cross-referenced with the lost tag.

Keepers should therefore order tags well in advance of them being needed, and maintain a sufficient stock of both yellow and red tag sets on their holding.

Animals tagged before 31 December 2009 only need to be upgraded to EID for sheep, or two matching identifiers for goats, when they leave the holding, or if all tags have been lost.

However, in order to reduce the number of tags required, one old green tag is sufficient for dead animals being sent to a rendering plant.

It is important to use a tag appropriate to the age of the animal being tagged, and to the size and shape of the ear, and to take the necessary antiseptic precautions in order to prevent infection and tag loss. If keepers notice any failures in tag performance they should report this in the first instance to the tag supplier. They can also report this to the Department using the form available on the DARD website.

If animals are moved to or from a market or meat plant acting as a Central Point of Recording (CPR) keepers must ensure they get a full and accurate list of tag numbers, and keep this with their holding register.

Keepers should now be using their new Sheep Flock or Goat Herd Register (SG3) and Sheep and Goats Movement Book (SG2). Further detailed information on the tagging and movement rules can be found on the DARD website or by contacting your DARD Regional Office.

Notes to editors:

1. The introduction of 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. Animals presently on farm will have to be upgraded to the new identification system when they move off the holding.
3. The objective is to make it easier to trace individual animals, especially in a serious disease outbreak situation, such as Foot and Mouth Disease.
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.