www.cymru.gov.

uk

Guidance for Keepers

Rules for identifying Sheep and Goats

January 2010

ISBN 978 0 7504 5537 4 Crown copyright February 2010 CMK-22-01-184 E7350910

Introduction

New rules will apply from 31 December 2009, to the identication and record keeping requirements for sheep and goats. These changes are the nal phase of implementing Council Regulation 21/2004 that introduces a European wide system for the identication and registration of sheep andgoats, implemented through Sheep and Goats (Records, Identication and Movement) (Wales) Order 2009. This booklet replaces earlier guidance issued in 2008 and explains the rules that will apply in Wales from 31 December 2009. Similar guidance is being issued in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Please note that differences may exist between the various regions. The booklet focuses on the rules that apply to lambs born on or after 31December2009 but, where appropriate, covers the differences for older sheep bornbefore 31December 2009 and goats. For more information website: www.wales.gov.uk/animalhealth email: sheepEID@wales.gsi.gov.uk Contact: - 01267 245022 Animal Health Divisional Ofces, addresses are listed in Annex B Carmarthen 01267 245400 Caernarfon 01286 674144 Cardiff 02920 768500 Rural Payments Divisional Ofces, addresses are listed in Annex B Carmarthen 01267 225300 Caernarfon 01286 674144 Llandrindod Wells 01597 823777 Local Authorities Contact telephone numbers and email addresses are listed in Annex B
i

ii

Contents

Section One
What are the main changes? 1

Section Two - Keeper/Land

Who is a keeper? What is a holding? Registering land and obtaining a ock number The 5 mile rule Sole Occupancy Authority (SOA) 3 3 3 4 5

Section Three
Identication Identiers available Slaughter Derogation Upgrading lambs originally intended for slaughter Lost or illegible tags Metal tags EID Bolus Tattoo Flowchart 1: Identication - lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 Flowchart 2: Identication - sheep born before 31 December 2009 Flowchart 3: Replacement tagging procedure for sheep born on or after 31 December 2009 Flowchart 4a & b: Replacement tagging procedures for sheep born before 31 December 2009 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 12 14 16

iii

Section Four
Flock record keeping 19

Section Five
Movements 21

Section Six
Inspections 24

Section Seven
Goats 26 27

Glossary of Terms Annex A

Advice on how to correctly identify animals to reduce the risk of injury, distress and infection

31

Annex B
List of contact details for: Local Authority Animal Health Ofces Rural Payments Divisional Ofces 33 35 36

iv

Section One - What are the main changes?

Identication of Lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 Detailed information in Section Three (Sheep): Seven (Goats). ALL breeding lambs and store and nished hoggets kept beyond 12months of age must have full EID i.e. one electronic identier and one visual identier. Theelectronic identier can either be an ear tag, a ruminal bolus or a pastern mark. Lambs intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir before reaching 12 months of age can be identied with a single conventional batch slaughter tag or with a single electronic batch slaughter tag. The single conventional batch slaughter tag will not be electronic and will only have UK and a holding of birth (HoB) ock number printed on it. The single electronic batch slaughter tag will contain an ofcial EIDnumber in the electronic chip but will have UK and a holding of birth (HoB) ock number printed on it. Farmers are advised to discuss the tagging options with the marketing outlets that they intend to supply. Recording of sheep or goats born on or after 31 December 2009 Detailed information in Section Four (Sheep); Seven (Goats) Flock/herd record Lambs and kids born on or after 31 December must be recorded in your ock record when you rst identify them. Even though goats are not subject to compulsory full EID, their individual identity must be recorded in the herd record. For sheep identied with full EID a record of the individual number that is printed on the outside of the tag orwhich can be read electronically from the chip (it is the same number) will be required in the ock record. For store and nished lambs or goat kids identied with a single batch slaughter tag (conventional or electronic), a record of the number of lambs/kids tagged will be required in the ock/herdrecord. For goats identied with either conventional double tags or voluntary full EID, record the individual identity printed on the outside of the tag. Movement document (AML1) Sheep and goats born on or after 31 December 2009 will have tobe individually recorded on movement documents from 1January 2011. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. For details see section Four and Five.
1

Section one

Central Point Recording Centre (third party recording) Allows keepers to use an approved central point recording centre where available, to undertake the reading of individual identiers off their holding e.g. at a market orabattoir. AML1 Movement Documents All sheep born before 31 December 2009 will have to be individually1 recorded on movement documents from 31December 2011, unless moving to slaughter, eitherdirect orvia market. For details see sections four, ve and seven.

Section one

Sheep tagged prior to February 2003 without an individual identication will need to be retagged before moving off the holding they are on. See owchart 2.

Section Two - Keeper/Land

Who is a keeper?
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states a person who owns an animal shall always beregarded as being a person who is responsible for it. Whilst owners are usually the person responsible for their livestock, they may agree toanother person being delegated responsibility and that person becomes responsible for movement reporting and record keeping purposes.

What is a holding?
A holding is a place where farmed livestock are kept or handled. Farms,livestock markets, collection centres and slaughterhouses are examples of holdings and are identied by the County/Parish/Holding (CPH) numbering system. Some keepers may have more than one holding and some holdings will be used bymore than one keeper.

Registering land and obtaining a flock number

All land where sheep are kept must be registered even if you only own a single pet animal (land includes buildings in this context). If you are a new sheep or goat keeper you must: Register your holding with the Rural Payments Divisional Ofces within one month of rst keeping animals, they will allocate you aCPH (County/Parish/Holding) number. Contact your local Animal Health Divisional Ofce (AHDO) who will allocate you a ock (sheep) or herd (goat) mark for your holding. This ock or herd mark is required before you will be able to buy ofcially numbered ear tags or electronic identiers. If you have any questions about how your land is registered contact your local Rural Payments divisional ofce in the rstinstance.

Section two

The 5 mile rule

Flock Record Land within 5 miles of the boundary of the main holding and under your sole management and control can be considered to be part of the holding*. Land within 5 miles of the boundary of the main holding and not under your sole management and control can not be considered to be part of the holding*. Land outside 5 miles of the boundary of the main holding regardless of it being under your sole management and control can not be considered tobe part of the holding*, (even if included in aSOA)*. One ock record for allland Movements Movements between parcels of land within this holding donot need to be recorded in the ock record or reported via a movement document. Movements between these holdings need tobe recorded in the ock records and reported via amovement document.

Separate ock records for eachCPH

Separate ock records for eachCPH

Movements between these holdings must be recorded in the relevant ock records and reported via a movement document. The minimum requirement is on a batch basis where the ownership remains the same.

*You will need a CPH number for any parcels of land that are not already registered, please contact your Rural Payments DivisionalOfce.

Section two

Sole Occupancy Authority (SOA)

Holdings can be grouped into a SOA subject to Animal Health approval. SOA is a group of holdings within the same management and control, which are linked solely for the purposes of disease control and the 6day standstill rule. Movements onto SOA Any animal movements onto aholding that is part of your SOA, triggers a6 day standstill onall holdings. Movements within SOA Any animal movements between holdings that are part of your SOA, willnot trigger a 6day standstill. Movements off SOA No animal movements can take place off aholding that is part of your SOA, ifit is under a6 day standstill.

Movement reporting for sheep is required between holdings asdened by the 5 mile rule, irrespective of a SOA. Thismeans that a movement document (AML1) will need tobe submitted toLocalAuthoritiesfor: all movements within 5 miles where you do not have sole management and control of the land; all movements within 5 miles where you do have sole management and control but holdings have a different CPH; all movements outside 5 miles. Contact your Animal Health Divisional Ofce if you want to apply for a SOA.

Section two

Section three

Section Three - Identification

Identication requirements and replacement of lost and illegibleidentiers Lambs born on your holding must be identied before they move off the holding ofbirth or before they reach 6 months of age for sheep kept under intensive husbandry systems. 9 months of age for sheep kept under extensive husbandry systems. There are a variety of identiers available for full EID. These include eartags, bolusand pastern marks which can be combined with ear tag, tattoo or pastern mark. Thefollowing combinations are allowed: EID Identier EID Ear tag EID Ear tag EID Bolus EID Ear tag EID Pastern mark Conventional Identier Conventional Ear tag Tattoo Conventional Ear tag/Pastern mark must be black Conventional Pastern mark Conventional Ear tag Allowed for IntraCommunity Trade Yes No Yes Yes No

Both EID and conventional identiers must carry the same number. Tags can be read either manually or electronically as preferred. The following colours have been reserved for specic devices:Yellow - used only for EID tags (including the batch electronic slaughter tag) Red - used only for replacement tags (both conventional and replacement EID tags) Black - used only for the conventional ear tag/pastern mark where an electronic ruminal bolus is present The numbers and letters on all identication devices must be adifferent colour to the background of the device and must beclearly readable. If you choose to include Management/Breed Society information on the tags, discuss with the tag supplier.

Section three

Slaughter derogation
Lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 that are intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir before reaching 12 months of age can be identied with full EID or: A single conventional batch slaughter tag - displays UK and aock number. A single electronic batch slaughter tag - displays UK and a ock number but has an ofcial electronic chip with an individual number within the tag.

Upgrading of lambs originally intended for slaughter

Lambs identied with a slaughter tag (conventional or electronic batch tag), wheretraceability cannot be proved must be slaughtered before they reach 12months of age. Lambs identied with a slaughter tag (conventional or electronic batch tag), wheretraceability can be proved maybe upgraded to full EID by the time they reach 12months of age. SeeTable below: If lambs to be upgraded are: Still on the holding ofbirth Action Required slaughter tag should be cut out replace with full EID Record in upgrade section of ock record These lambs can only be upgraded where complete traceability* can be achieved. No longer on their holding ofbirth slaughter tag should be cut out replace with full EID (red replacements) Record in upgrade section of ock record and cross reference with the original ock mark.

* Everyholding that each lamb has been onfrom birth must be recorded in the ockrecord Further advice is available from Animal Health/Local Authorities/RuralPayments Divisional Ofces.

Section three

Lost or illegible tags

If your animal loses its identier or the identier becomes impossible to read, you must replace it: within 28 days of the loss or damage being noticed; or before the animals are moved from your holding (if sooner). (See owcharts)

Metal tags
The removal of metal tags is allowed for replacement purposes providing the welfare ofthe animal is not compromised2.

EID Bolus
If the black ear tag/pastern mark is lost the sheep must be re-tagged with a likeforlike (samenumber) black tag/pastern mark, so that the number of the replacement black tag/pastern mark still corresponds with the number of the ruminalbolus. If the bolus is presumed lost or can no longer be read, a like-for-like EID bolus is tobe administered. Presumed absence or the non-functioning of a bolus should be established with multiple read attempts on different days. WEGS bolus are not ofcial EID identiers for livestock identication purposes3.

Tattoo
A tattoo can be used as the visual identier where animals are not involved in intra community trade. The full identication number can be divided between both ears (i.e. UK + a ock number in one ear and an individual animal number in the other ear).

Section three

2 3

You are advised to consult your Private Veterinary Surgeon. The use of more than one electronic identier is not recommended.

Flowchart 1 together with details opposite, explains how to identify lambs born on or after31 December 2009

Lambs that are: Retained or Sold for Breeding or Kept beyond 12 months of age

Store / finished lambs retained beyond 12 months of age

Store / finished lambs to be slaughtered before reaching 12 months of age

Two identically numbered identifiers, one conventional and one electronic

Single batch conventional slaughter tag

Single batch electronic slaughter tag

Full EID UK 0555555 44444 If read electronically 0826 0555555 44444

Slaughter Tag UK 555555

Slaughter Tag UK 555555 If read electronically 0826 0555555 44444

Section three

10

Full EID This requires two identiers, one electronic and one visual. The electronic identier can be an ear tag, ruminal bolus or forsheep remaining within the UK a pastern mark. The visual identier can be an ear tag, pastern mark or for sheep remaining within the UK a tattoo. The individual number on both identiers will be identical and must be recorded inthe ock record. Breeding lambs Lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 that will be retained as ock replacements or sold for breeding must be identied electronically (full EID) and recorded individually in the ock record. All lambs including pets, kept beyond 12 months of age Store and nished hoggets intended for slaughter but kept beyond 12 months of age, sheep reared for mutton and pets must be identied electronically (full EID) and recorded individually in the ock record. Live exports Lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 that will be exported live must be identied electronically (full EID) and recorded individually in the ock record. Slaughter Derogation - Store and nished lambs slaughtered before reaching 12months ofage Lambs born on or after 31 December 2009 that are intended for slaughter in a UKabattoir before reaching 12 months of age can beidentied with full EID or: A single conventional batch slaughter tag - displays UK and aocknumber. A single electronic batch slaughter tag - displays UK and a ock number but has an ofcial electronic chip with an individual number within the tag. You are advised to discuss tagging options with the marketing outlets that you normallysupply.

Section three

11

Flowchart 2: together with details opposite, explain how sheep born before 31December 2009 were identied
Identified from 22 January 2008 to 30 December 2009 Two identically numbered conventional tags

Double tags UK 555555 444444

Identified from February 2003 to 21 January 2008

One conventional tag

Single tag UK 555555 444444

Identified before February 2003

One conventional tag

Single tag UK J1234-11 or J1234 4567 or UK555555

Retag when moving off a holding

Single tag UK 555555 444444

Double tags UK 555555 444444

Full EID UK 0555555 44444 If read electronically 0826 0 555555 44444

Section three

12

Sheep born between February 2003 and 30 December 2009 should already be identied in accordance with the rules that applied when they were born. Their existing identication will continue to be accepted until the sheep dies or the identication is lostor becomes unreadable. Sheep born before February 2003 where there is no individual identication number ora UK Sheep without individual identication, born before February 2003, were commonly identied with eartags that did not contain an individual number or the letters UK. These sheep will have to be re-identied with an individual numbered tag before they move offthe holding they are currently on. Keepers can either: 1. Retag with a single UK Holding of Birth (HoB) tag with an individual number or a RED replacement tag with an individual number if not on the HoB and record in the ock record. Or 2. Retag with a new pair of UK HoB tags with identical individual number or a RED replacement tags with identical individual numbers if not on the HoB and record in the ock record. Or 3. Retag with full EID or RED replacement full EID if not on the HoB and record in the ock record. However, if the sheep is not on its holding of birth, own ock number RED replacement tags must be used.

You do not have to electronically identify sheep born before 31December 2009.
Keepers may choose to replace the current identication of sheep in the existing ock with electronic identication. If they do sheep that are still on their HoB, the replacement tags do not need to be cross referenced in the Flock Records on an individual basis. The re-tagging event must berecorded by date, number of the existing ock that have been re-identied and the individual numbers used i.e. UK 0 555555 44440 to UK 0 555555 44450. sheep that are not on their holding of birth must use RED Full EID replacements, anindividual cross reference is required for each animal i.e. UK 555555 333333 UK0 555555 44442.

Section three

13

Flowchart 3 together with details opposite, explains the replacement tagging procedure for sheep born on or after 31 December 2009

Still on the holding of birth

NOT on the holding of birth

Identified with Full EID

Identified with slaughter tag

Identified with Full EID

Identified with slaughter tag

If 1 identifier is lost Replace with Identical number to the one lost OR Cut out remaining identifier and replace with a new set of Full EID (cross reference in flock record)

To be slaughtered before reaching 12 months of age

If 1 identifier is lost Replace with Identical number to the one lost OR Cut out remaining identifier and replace with a new set of RED replacements Full EID (cross reference in flock record)

To be slaughtered before reaching 12 months of age

Replace with a single (conventional or electronic) batch slaughter tag If both identifiers are lost: replace with a new set of Full EID (cross reference in flock record) OR Replace with an identical pair to those lost (if known)

Replace with different numbered RED replacement single (conventional or electronic) batch slaughter tag and cross reference change of identification in flock record If both identifiers are lost, replace with like-for-like (if known) or replace with a new set of RED Full EID (cross reference in flock record)

Section three

*Cross reference means recording the old identifcation number against the new identification number If both tags are lost or a single tag was used originally, cross referencing may not be possible but a record of the replacements must be made in the flock record

14

Replacement tagging - sheep born on or after 31December 2009 Where an identier is lost, damaged or unreadable, it must be replaced within 28 days of the loss or damage being discovered or before the animal is moved from your holding, if sooner. Full EID Sheep identied with full EID will always need a pair of identiers with the same individual number, one of which needs to be electronic. Keepers can either: 1. Replace with a like-for-like replacement (same individual number) whether on the HoB or not. or 2. if sheep are on the HoB, cut out the remaining tag and replace with a new pair of full EID identiers and cross-reference this in the ock record. or 3. if sheep are not on the HoB, cut out the remaining tag and replace with a new pair of full EID RED replacement identiers and cross-reference this in the ock record. Slaughter tags Lambs identied with a single batch (conventional or electronic) slaughter tag can be retagged as follows: Lambs on the holding of birth Replace with another batch slaughter tag from stock, same ock number. Lambs not on the holding of birth Replace with own ock number RED replacement (conventional or electronic) slaughter tag and cross-reference this in the ock record.

Section three

15

Flowchart 4a together with details overleaf, explains replacement tagging procedure for sheep born before 31 December 2009 still on their holding of birth

Still on the holding of birth

Identified with Double tags UK 555555 444444 UK 555555 444444

Identified with Single tag UK 555555 444444

Identified before February 2003 e.g. UK J1234-11 or J1234 4567 or UK 555555

If 1 UK HoB tag lost replace with: an identical UK HoB tag OR Cut out the remaining UK tag and replace with a pair of different numbered UK HoB tags or Full EID

Replace with Single Identical UK HoB tag OR Single different numbered UK HoB tag OR a pair of different numbered UK HoB tags or Full EID

If both UK HoB tags are lost at the same time, replace with a pair of different numbered UK HoB tag or Full EID

Section three

16

Flowchart 4b together with details below/overleaf, explains replacement tagging procedure for sheep born before 31 December 2009 not on their holding of birth
Not on the holding of birth

Identified with Double tags UK 555555 444444

Identified with Single tag UK 555555 444444

Identified before February 2003 e.g. UK J1234-11 or J1234 4567 or UK 555555

If 1 tag lost replace with: an identical UK HoB tag OR Cut out the remaining UK tag and replace with a pair of different numbered RED replacement tags (cross reference*) OR RED Full EID Replacements (cross reference*)

Replace with Single Identical UK HoB tag OR Single different numbered RED replacement tag (cross reference*) OR a pair of different numbered RED replacement tags (cross reference*) OR RED Full EID Replacements (cross reference*)

If both UK tags are lost at the same time, replace with a pair of different numbered RED replacement tags (cross reference*) OR RED Full EID Replacements (cross reference*)

*Cross reference means recording the old identification number against the new identification number. If both tags are lost or a single tag was used originally, cross referencing may not be possible but a record of the replacements must be made in the flock record

Section three

Flowchart 4a and b with details below/overleaf, explains replacement tagging procedure for sheep born before 31 December 2009 Where an identier is lost, damaged or unreadable, it must be replaced within 28days of the loss or damage being discovered or before the animal is moved from your holding, if sooner.
17

Double tagged Sheep identied with a pair of UK HoB tags will always need twotags or identiers with the same individual number. Keepers can either: 1. Replace with a like-for-like replacement (same individual number). Or 2. Cut out the remaining tag and replace with a new pair of UK HoB tags. Or 3. Replace with full EID. If the sheep is not on the holding of birth, the different numbered replacement tags must be RED in colour and must be cross-referenced in the ock record. Where both tags are lost a full cross reference may not be possible but you will need tonote that replacements have been used in the ock record. Single tagged sheep Sheep rst identied before 22 January 2008 have used a number ofdifferent singletags. Keepers can either: 1. Replace with a single like-for-like replacement UK HoB tag (same individual number). Or 2. Replace with a single differently numbered UK same HoB tag. Or 3. Replace with a new pair of UK same HoB tags. Or 4. Replace with full EID.

Section three

If the sheep is not on its holding of birth, the replacement tags must be RED in colour and must be cross referenced in the ock record. Where the previous identity of a sheep is unknown you will need tonote that replacements have been used in the ock record. Existing stocks of eartags that contain UK and an individual number can be used toreidentify older sheep that were single tagged before 22 January 2008.

18

Section Four - Record Keeping

Recording requirements in the ock record for sheep born before 31December 2009. Keepers must keep a record of: The identication code (CPH) of the holding. The address of the holding and the geographical coordinates (OS6digit map reference) or equivalent indication of the geographical location of the holding. The type of production. The numbers recorded in the latest inventory and the date on which it was carriedout. The name and address of the keeper. In the case of animals leaving the holding: The name of the transporter. The registration number of the transport carrying the animals. The CPH number or name and address of the holding of destination or, in case of animals moved to a slaughterhouse, theidentication code or name of the slaughterhouse and the date of departure, - This information may be held as a duplicate or a certied copy of the AML1 movement document. These documents must be kept in chronological order. Movements off the holding only - The AML1 document may be retained by keepers as an alternative to completing records of OFF movements in their holding registers. In the case of animals arriving at the holding, the identication code (CPH) of the holding from which the animal was moved from and the date ofarrival. Information on any replacement of identication. For sheep born on or after 31 December 2009, the following additional information must be recorded4: The full individual identication number of the animal;

Section four

The holding of birth, year of birth and the date the animal wasidentied; The month and year of death; The breed and (if known) genotype.

Annex B2 Council Regulation 21/2004.

19

For animals identied from 2010 under the slaughter derogation, this information must be provided for each batch of animals having the same identication and must include the number of animals. Full records must be retained for each sheep, as far back as their birth and for at least 3years from the date they move off or die.

Carcase Disposal The Animal By-Products Regulation requires keepers to maintain records of disposal ofsheep that die5. carcases can only be disposed of via approved Animal by-Product premises. A ock record book has been prepared by Welsh Assembly Government and can be viewed at (www.wales.gov.uk/animalhealth). Copies can be obtained from each RuralPayment Divisional Ofce, from Animal Health ofces or from Local Authorities. Individual identication lists can be appended to any of the sections in the ock book. i.e. list of individual identied animals presented at a CPRC. It is not compulsory to use the ock record book available. If other methods of record keeping is preferred i.e. computerised records, they must record the same required information as provided for by the Welsh Assembly Government ock record book.

Section four

Chapter II, Article 9 Council Regulation 1774/2002.

20

Section Five - Movements

Individual recording on movement documents and ock records will begin on different dates for sheep born before 31 December 2009 compared with those born on or after 31December2009. Minimum information required onmovement documents (AML1) and ock records. Sheep born before 31/12/09 Movements during 2010 Total number of sheep moved Movements during 2011 Total number ofsheep moved Movements during 2012 and onwards Full Individual UK number unless moving to slaughter, either direct or via market
e.g. UK0741236 00001

Total number of sheep moved on or after 31/12/09 Full EID Total number of sheep moved Full Individual UK number

Total number ofsheep moved Full Individual UKnumber Full Individual UK number

Total number of sheep moved Full Individual UKnumber

e.g. UK0741236 00001

e.g. UK0741236 00001

e.g. UK0741236 00001

e.g. UK0741236 00001

Full Individual UK number

e.g. UK0741236 00001

on or after 31/12/09 Single batch slaughter tag lambs to be slaughtered under 12months of age in an UKabattoir.

Total number of lambs moved. The total number of lambs identied with each different ock number recorded
e.g. UK741234 x 24; UK741235 x 26

The total number of lambs moved The total number of lambs moved with each different ock number recorded.
e.g. UK741234 x 24; UK741235 x 26

The total number of lambs moved The total number of lambs moved with each different ock number recorded.
e.g. UK741234 x 24; UK741235 x 26

Total lambs moved50

Total lambs moved 50

Total lambs moved 50

Section five

BLUE - MOVEMENT DOCUMENT RED - FLOCK RECORD

21

As an exception to the table overleaf, where the ownership does not change: Where sheep move from one holding (CPH) to another but the ownership of the animals does not change, the minimum information required on the AML1 movement document and ock record is the number of sheepmoved. The AML1 document may be retained by keepers as an alternative to completing records of OFF movements in their holding registers Central Point Recording Centres (CPRC) Where individual identities are required, keepers can batch record the movement off the holding and on a movement document and use the services of an approved Central Point Recording Centre, where available, to read and record the individual identities when the sheep arrive at those premises (e.g. markets and abattoirs). It remains the responsibility of the keeper to provide the relevant identities (individual or ock mark) on the movement document and in the ock record, as explained in the table overleaf. When the owner/keeper chooses to use a CPRC service, thefollowing procedureapplies: Keeper batch records in his/her ock record and on AML1, CPRC reads individual identities and counts total number ofsheep received, CPRC provides identities and count to the keeper within 48hrs, Keeper inserts identities in his record or cross references the document provided by the CPRC to hisrecord. Any location can apply to Animal Health to become an approved Central Point Recording Centre for the purposes of reading individual identities of sheep. Separateguidance is being prepared detailing the procedures for prospective CPRCs. Paper movement documents - AML1 forms AML 1 forms are available from Local Authority ofces. The latest version of the movement document can be viewed at www.wales.gov.uk/animalhealth

Section five

Completed movement documents must be returned to the Local Authority of the destination premises within 3 days of the movement taking place.

22

Common Land Animals must be identied before they leave their birth holding and movements to and from common land recorded in your ock/herd register and a movement document (AML1) completed. If your holding adjoins registered common land which you use for grazing, you can apply to have your holding linked to that common land on the central computer database. This will exempt you from completing movement documents and updating your ock register every time your animals move directly between your holding and the common land. You can move animals between common land and any holding with grazing rights to the common land. You must record these movements in your home holding register and also complete a movement document. However, if you are going to move animals off the common land to any other holding, including a market, you must rst make sure that no other animals at all have moved onto the common land in the past six days. Animals cannot be consigned direct for intra-community trade from common land. Food Chain Information From 1 January 2010 all abattoir operators will be required to request, receive, checkand act upon food chain information (FCI) for all sheep received at slaughterhouses. The new rules apply to abattoirs across Great Britain. Sheep producers will need to provide FCI when supplying sheep directly or indirectly toslaughterhouses after 1 January 2010. The FCI required will include the identication of the animal or batch of animals, whether or not the veterinary medicine withdrawal periods for the animals concerned have been adhered to and the disease status of the animals going for slaughter. Provision has been made to include FCI for sheep on the new animal movement license for sheep (AML1).The front of the new AML1 will include a tick box with a corresponding FCI statement on the reverse of the pink copy of the license. Ifthe sheep/lambs being taken for slaughter satisfy the FCI statement keepers are only required to tick the box. If the animals do not satisfy the FCI statement then keepers must tick the box and complete the additional information proforma included on the reverse of the pink copy of the AML1. Please note FCI is only required for animals going for slaughter. If keepers/farmers are moving store animals, sheep for breeding etc they need do nothing more than complete the AML1 as normal. Existing stocks of AML1 can be used for this purpose. Farmers/keepers are advised to request copies of the new AML1 from their local authority from January 2010 should they wish to move sheep/ lambs to slaughter. For additional information on the FCI legislative requirements please contact the FoodStandards Agency on 029 2067 8908. For any other information please contact the Farm Liaison Service at Divisional Ofces.

Section five

23

Section Six - Inspections

Spot checks are carried out to ensure that keepers are complying with all sheep and goat identication and registration requirements. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1505/2006 sets out the detailed rules: Each EU Member State (MS) shall carry out checks annually that covers at least 3%of holdings comprising at least 5% of the animals (sheep and goats) in the Member State; The holdings are selected by risk analysis, the criteria for which are set out in the Regulation. The inspections must be unannounced - maximum 48 hours notice; An annual report on the inspection results must be sent to the Commissions DGSANCO by 31 August each year. How are farms selected for inspection? Inspections for Wales are undertaken by the Rural Inspectorate for Wales (RIW) through predominately risk based criteria. The selection takes into account a number offactors such as time since last inspection, number of sheep (and or goats) on holding, errors found in previous inspections, etc. Keepers should be aware that they are likely to be inspected more frequently if problems were found during aprevious inspection. What is the keeper expected to do? The keeper will be responsible for presenting all animals and documentation (including electronic records) for inspection. The keeper will also be asked toprovide suitable handling facilities and to present the animals inasafe manner for ear tag/identier checking. Full records, as far back as birth, must be retained for each sheep for3 years from thedate they move off the holding or die. What will the inspector do? The inspector will undertake: A full head count of the sheep on the selected holding; A physical check of identiers on a sample of sheep. The sample may be increased ifdiscrepancies are identied such as sheep that are incorrectly identied or have never been identied at all; A check of the ock record entries, including date(s) of identication, movements/deaths,

Section six

24

 that it contains the Annual Inventory gure(s) and that this correlates to the return submitted by 1 February each year; A check of all AML1 movement licences; These documents must be kept in chronological order. That all unused tags are securely stored. How long will the inspection take? This depends on the size of your holding, the number of sheep involved and the quality of your record keeping. Records that are set out clearly and accurately will signicantly reduce the inspection time. The aim will be to carry out the inspection quickly and efciently with the minimum of disruption. Enforcement action If discrepancies are found during the inspection, it may be necessary to impose a whole ock/herd movement restriction on the holding. The restriction prohibits the movement of animals from and onto the holding. In all cases the restriction will remain until corrective action has been carried out and which may require a follow-up inspection totake place. Penalties Discrepancies may involve a reduction in your Single Payment Scheme. Inspections by other enforcement agencies Local Authority (LA) Trading Standards Ofcers have responsibility for enforcing the sheep and goat Identication requirements. Inaddition to farm visits they carry out checks onmarkets and roadside stops to check compliance with a variety of livestock related legislation. Animal Health ofcers have responsibility for Animal Welfare cross compliance checks.

Section six

25

Section Seven - Goats

The rules for identifying goats are not changing but goat keepers will be required to keep individual records for goats born on or after 31December 2009, in a herd record unless identied with a slaughter tag (see below), when a batch record is required. There is no requirement to electronically identify goats as the UK goat population is currently below the regulatory threshold of 160,000. When to Identify As with sheep, goats born on your holding must be appropriately identied before they move off the holding or within the following deadlines. 6 months from the date of birth for goats kept under intensive husbandry systems. 9 months from the date of birth for goats kept under extensive husbandry systems. Double tags (non-electronic) will remain unchanged showing a UKHerd number and a six digit individual number. There are a range of identiers available that includes ear tags, tattoosand pastern marks. The following combinations are allowed: Conventional ear tag - Conventional ear tag Conventional ear tag - Tattoo Conventional ear tag - Pastern Mark However, keepers can choose to use electronic identication asdetailed in Section Three of this guidance. Kids that are intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir can be identied with a single (conventional or electronic) batch slaughter tag, which will show a UK Herd numberonly. Replacements - Section Three of this guidance details the requirements for sheep, whichare the same as for goats except that electronic identication is voluntary.

Section seven

Movement reporting - Section Five of this guidance details the requirements for sheep, which are the same for goats. Record keeping - Section Four of this guidance details the requirements for sheep, whichare the same for goats. Inspections - Section Six of this guidance details what an inspector may do if you are selected for an inspection.

26

Glossary of Terms
1 January annual inventory (gure) A count on the 1 January each year of the total number of sheep and/or goats on each holding. This gure must be recorded inyour ock/herd record. It is also referred to as a stock take gure. This form provides the competent authority withthe total number of sheep and/or goats oneach owners holding(s) on the 1 January each year. It is a legal requirement for this form to be completed and returned by 1 February each year and provide the requested numbers of allsheep/goats in your ownership. Animal Movement Licence document. See movement document. A group of sheep/goats that is recorded by the number of sheep moved. A mixed batch has to be recorded by the total number ofsheep identied with each different ock number. A ceramic electronic identier that is administered bymouth and lies in the stomach. See Third party recording. A single (non-electronic) tag that has UK and a ock number only printed on it, used to identify lambs intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir before they reach 12 months of age. A unique number issued by the Rural Payments Divisional Ofces that identies the location of your holding/s. For sheep, land under sole management and control and within 5 miles of the boundary of the main site can be included under the main CPH. (SeeSection Two The 5 mile rule) A central computer system that allocates numbers for ofcial livestock Identication purposes.

Annual Inventory form

AML1 Form Batch recording Batch within Batch Recording (SlaughterLambs) Bolus Central Point Recording Centres Conventional Batch Slaughter tag

County Parish Holding (CPH) Number

Glossary of terms

ETAS - Ear Tag Allocation System

27

Electronic Batch Slaughtertag

A single electronic tag that has UK and a ock number only printed on the outside but which contains an individual number in the electronic chip inside the tag that can be read with an EID reader. Used to identify lambs intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir before they reach 12 months of age. Electronic Identication. A six-digit number issued by your Animal Health Divisional Ofce that uniquely identies your ock orherd. A record of births or rst identication, deaths, replacement identiers, upgrading, on and off animal movements and annual inventory gure(s), also referred to as a holding register. Two identiers, one electronic and one visual. All land identied by a single CPH under your sole management and control where sheep and or goats maybe kept. The holding on which animals are born. The rst identier applied to an animal to identify theholding of birth. An eartag, ruminal bolus, tattoo or pastern mark providing the ofcial livestock identication number. The 5 digit number that follows the ock or herd mark onFull EID or red Full EID replacement tags. For sheep identied before 31 Dec 2009 (doubletagging) it is a 6 digit number. Live animal movements between European Union member states. The location of the main buildings and livestock facilities. All parcels of land within 5 miles from the boundary of the main site can be considered part of the main CPH. An identier that is identical to the original identication number.

EID Flock number (mark) sheep Herd number - goats Flock record - sheep Herd record - goats

Full EID Holding - also see CPH

Holding of Birth (HoB) Holding of birth identier Identier Individual identication number

Intra community trade

Glossary of terms

Main holding/main site

Match-up or like for like or same number replacement identier

28

Movement Document - Animal Movement Licence (AML 1) form

A legal document that must be completed each time you move animals between different holdings (CPHs). Completed forms must be sent to the LocalAuthority within 3 days of the move taking place. The keeper/owner must retain a copy with their ockrecords. The owner is the person ultimately responsible for the animals and is usually the keeper. Owners may agree to another person assuming delegated responsibility and that person becomes the keeper for movement reporting and ock record purposes. An electronic or conventional identier similar toan anklestrap. Identication and record keeping rules apply toall sheep and goats, even those being kept insmall numbers or aspets. An identier that is always RED in colour. Used when replacing a lost tag or a tag that canno longer be read with a different numbered replacement and the animal is not onthe Holding of Birth. The option to apply a single (conventional or electronic) batch tag to lambs intended for slaughter in a UK abattoir before reaching 12months of age. Only eartags are allowed if using this method ofidentication and, for lambs born on or after 31December 2009, the slaughter tag will display only UK and a ock number. A group of holdings within the same management and control, which are linked for the purposes of disease control standstill requirements and are subject to Animal Health Department approval. An identication method using ink to create apermanent mark in the skin. Land where sheep are grazed or housed on a temporarybasis. Process where a destination premises (i.e.market/ abattoir) provide a service to read the individual identity of animals on arrival and where they supply a list of those individual numbers to the owner/keeper to be retained with the movement documents or ock record.
29

Owner/Keeper

Pastern mark Pets - sheep or goats

Replacement identier

Slaughter Derogation

Sole occupancy Authority (SOA)

Glossary of terms

Tattoo Temporary short term grazing including land grazed by sheep on tack Third party recording

Upgrading to Full EID

A lamb originally identied with a single (conventional or electronic) batch slaughter tag can only be upgraded (re-identied with full EID), if complete traceability can beprovided. This requires every holding that each lamb has been on from birth to be recorded in the ock record of the holding where upgrading takesplace.

Glossary of terms

30

Annex A
Advice on how to correctly identify animals to reduce the risk of injury, distress and infection
Best Practice for Identifying A.1 What type of ear tag should I order for my animals? There are many types of tag designed to be suitable for sheep and goats (bothelectronic and non-electronic). Ofcial approval of all eartag designs using aset of quality standards and tests is required before marketing can commence. Asaresult, you can still choose between styles and makes available to you. It is important to choose identiers that are suitable for the breed, size and age of the animal beingidentied. You can see a list of tag manufacturers by searching under EID onthe Welsh Assembly Government website at www.wales.gov.uk. A.2 Pasterns Not commercially available in the UK (at December 2009) but similar toan ankle strap. A.3 What is a Bolus? Bolus are used for electronic identication. They are ceramic, administered by mouth and lie in the stomach. They should not beadministered without appropriate training. A.4 What about the welfare of my animals? It is important that you carry out the application of identication correctly to protect the welfare of your animals. Following manufacturers recommended procedures will also reduce the likelihood of lost tags as well as any associated problems. Pleasefollow these guidelines carefully to make sure you correctly apply the tags and to avoid unnecessary pain to your animals. A.5 Guidelines for tting ear tags The left ear (standing behind the animal) should be used to apply the electronic tag (where double tagging isrequired). Make sure your operator is properly trained and competent. Think carefully about the best type of tag/s for your animals. Usea suitable style andsize of tag for the breed, size and age ofthe animal being identied. Make sure tags are tted correctly by following the manufacturers instructions anduse correct pliers for the make and type of tag that you are tting. Fit tags in cool weather (where possible) to reduce the risk of ystrike and infections.
31

Annex A

 Make sure the animals head is secure to prevent jerking duringtagging. Apply tags under hygienic conditions. Make sure the ear, tagand applicator are clean. Consider using an insecticide or repellant on your animal(s) but you must take care to follow the instructions for each product to meet health and safety regulations and avoid residues in meat or milk. The tag should be placed through the ear, avoiding the main blood vessels and ridges of cartilage. The different styles of tag are designed for different placement in the ear. As a result, youshould follow the manufacturers instructions for the specic tag make and design. Remember to allow for ear growth when tting loop tags. When tting two-piece plastic tags, always make sure the male part of the tag is tted from the back of the ear as centrally as possible. After inserting the tag, thefemale part of the tag should be on the inside of the ear. Store unused tags in a clean container. A.6 If you are having problems with ear tags or pastern marks If you are having problems with tags falling out, make sure you are tting them correctly in line with the manufacturers instructions. In many cases, tags fall out because they have not been inserted correctly. If you have problems with sheep or goat tags, you should discuss these with your supplier. You should consult a vet in cases ofinfection or severe bleeding. A.7 Guidelines for EID Bolus You should refer to the manufacturers guidelines when tting EIDboluses to youranimals.

Annex A

32

Annex B - Contacts
List of Local Authority contact e-mail addresses and telephone numbers
Name of local authority Anglesey Blaenau Gwent E-mail address and telephone number Dsrpp@anglesey.gov.uk 01248 752845 Environment.health@blaenau-gwent. gov.uk FAO Animal Welfare 01495 355968 Publicprotection@bridgend.gov.uk 01656 643479 Tradingstandards@caerphilly.gov.uk 01443 875500 Publicprotection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk 01267 228705 Tradingstandards@cardiff.gov.uk 02020 872059 Animalhealth@ceredigion.gov.uk 01545 572275 regulatory.services@conwy.gov.uk 01492 574000 Animalhealth@denbighshire.gov.uk 01824 706086 Animal.health@intshire.gov.uk 01352 703181 safmas@gwynedd.gov.uk 01286 682728 Animal.health@merthyr.gov.uk 01685 725022 Animalhealth@monmouthshire.gov.uk 01633 644121/3 tsd@npt.gov.uk 01639 685678 Tradingstandards@newport.gov.uk 01633 637409 trading.standards@powys.gov.uk 0845 602 7030 / 01597 827460
33

Bridgend Caerphilly Carmarthen Cardiff Ceredigion Conwy Denbighshire Flintshire Gwynedd Merthyr Tydl Monmouthshire &Torfaen Neath & Port Talbot Newport Powys

Annex B

Pembrokeshire Rhondda Cynon Taff

Animal.welfare@pembrokeshire.gov.uk 01437 771351 PublicHealthAnimalWelfare@Rhondda-Cynon-Taff. gov.uk 01443425392 Trading.standards@swansea.gov.uk 01792 635600 Animalhealth@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk 01446 709105 trading.standards@wrexham.gov.uk 01978 292045

Swansea Vale of Glamorgan Wrexham

Annex B

34

Animal Health Offices

Caernarfon (Unitary Authorities of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Northern Powys) Animal Health Divisional Ofce Crown Building Penrallt Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 1EP Tel: 01286 674144 Fax: 01286 674626 E-mail: ah.caernarfon@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk Cardiff (Unitary Authorities of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire, Southern Powys) Animal Health Divisional Ofce Government Buildings 66 Ty Glas Road Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5ZB Tel: 029 2076 8500 Night line: 029 2076 8500 Fax: 029 2076 8510 E-mail: aho.cardiff@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk Carmarthen (Unitary Authorities of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire) Animal Health Divisional Ofce Ty Merlin Heol Glasdwr Parc Pensarn Carmarthen SA31 2NJ Tel: 01267 245400 Night line: 07000 780144 Fax: 01267 245500 E-mail: aho.carmarthen@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
35

Annex B

Rural Payments Divisional Offices

Caernarfon Penrallt Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 1EP Tel: 01286 674144 Fax: 01286 677749 E mail: agriculture.caernarfon@Wales.GSI.gov.uk Carmarthen Government Buildings Picton Terrace Carmarthenshire SA31 3BT Tel: 01267 225300 Fax: 01267 235964 E mail: agriculture.carmarthen@Wales.GSI.gov.uk Llandrindod Wells Government Buildings Spa Road East Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5HA Tel: 01597 823777 Fax: 01597 828304 E mail: agriculture.llandrindod@Wales.GSI.gov.uk

Annex B

36