Cattle Identification Regulations, England, Wales And Scotland

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 06 Apr 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Changes to the rules on cattle identification and tracing are being introduced in England, Wales and Scotland on 6 April 2007.

The Cattle Identification Regulations 2007 introduce two important changes to current procedures. Firstly, temporary calf passports have been abolished. This means all cattle must have a full passport before they are moved off their holding of birth, and can no longer be moved using the current cattle passport application form.

Secondly, changes have been made to the late passport application procedure. Where applications have not been submitted within the required 27-day period, keepers may choose to have their calf and its mother DNA tested to prove it is the offspring of the mother stated on the application form.

This can allow authorities to issue passports when applications are late, without compromising traceability. All appeals will continue to be considered by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) on an individual basis.

The basic rules on tagging, passports, record keeping and notifications to the Cattle Tracing System remain unchanged.

-- Click here for more information on the new regulations

www.defra.gov.uk

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