Cattle ear tag rules
According to DAERA, breaches of the Cattle Identification Regulations weaken and undermine the cattle traceability system in Northern Ireland, including the integrity of the department’s Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS).The current interest in food safety by both government and consumer groups means it is essential that the department is clearly seen to be implementing all legislation pertaining to the traceability of livestock, DAERA said.
Notification of deaths is required under Article 8 (1) Cattle Identification (Notification of Births, Deaths and Movements) Regulation (NI) 1999. Deaths must be notified to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) within seven days of death occurring.The department has said that it is important that deaths are reported correctly/promptly, as it enables DAERA to keep an accurate and up-to-date record of the animals in herd keepers' herds.
It is also a means to detect potential welfare problems and disease issues.Animal traceability
DAERA explains that properly maintained herd registers form an integral part of an animal’s traceability, supporting the accuracy and integrity of the department’s APHIS.Accurately maintained herd records corroborate and complement the APHIS details and help maintain public confidence in beef traceability and assist in animal disease control.
An animal’s identification number accords it a description, sex, age, movement history, and disease status.