Gildernew sees Sheep EID in action at Saintfield Sheep market

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has visited Saintfield market to see the equipment they have recently installed to read sheep EID tags.

Speaking after the visit Minister Gildernew said: “Saintfield market is leading the way in sheep EID. I am very encouraged by how quickly and easily they have adapted to the new system. One of my goals has been to see every market introduce EID equipment to read sheep tags on behalf of keepers.

“There has been an excellent take-up of this new equipment by operators across the local sheep industry, ranging from markets and meat plants to Slaughter Collection Centres and Export Assembly Centres. This utilises the EU Central Point of Recording derogation, which I fought hard to achieve to help reduce the burden of EID on keepers."

Explaining the sheep EID derogation, she said: “This derogation forms the basis of our new sheep traceability system. It means that market operators will give a list of tag numbers to keepers when they present sheep for sale, and also send the data to the APHIS database.

“The great benefit to keepers is that when they move sheep to these premises they do not have to record tag numbers. An added bonus for farmers is that the vast majority will not need to buy or use EID readers."

She added: “It will also make it easier to trace sheep movements in a serious disease outbreak situation, such as Bluetongue or Foot and Mouth Disease.”

In conclusion the Minister said: "I wish to thank Saintfield market for taking the time today to show me the new system in action. I also want to express my gratitude to them for helping to provide an evening training session. This invaluable demonstration of EID equipment will have helped keepers comply with the new rules."

Notes to editors:

1. From 1 June 2010 all sheep being moved off a registered holding must be tagged with an electronic (EID) tag set. All goats must be tagged with two matching tags, but they do not need an EID tag unless they are being exported.
2. A movement document must be completed each time sheep are moved, but if the sheep are moving to a market or meat plant approved as a Central Point of Recording (CPR), tag numbers do not need to be recorded. The CPR will provide the keeper with a list of tag numbers, which they must retain with their copy of the movement document.
3. 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.
4. The objective is to make it easier to trace individual animals, especially in a serious disease outbreak situation, such as Bluetongue or Foot and Mouth Disease.
5. 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.