Ireland Slow On The Uptake Over EID

While electronic identification (EID) tagging officially became law at the end of last year, it did not actually come into effect until 14 May 2010, when the official numbers system was implemented.

Tag companies believe they've been kept in the dark.

The rules state that lambs born since the beginning of this year that are kept for breeding will have to be EID tagged. Unlike Northern Ireland, EID will be gradually phased in.

There are three options for replacing lost tags. Where one tag is lost, a farmer can order a new tag (EID or conventional) displaying the same number. Alternatively a farmer can order a new set of tags (EID and conventional) and correlate the new numbers with the old number in the flock register.

Thirdly, if an animal moves off their birth holding and identity is lost, they should receive double red tags.

These animals must go direct to slaughter when moved off the farm, as identity for birth of origin and traceability is lost.

Electronic readers do not need to be purchased. All tags will have all details of the numbering system printed on one side of the tag.

The other side can be used for manual recording of additional information.

Existing dispatch dockets can continue to be used, although the Department has said new documents will come later in the year.

These will include declarations for the new food chain information programme. In short, this means that farmers will have to declare that animals have passed withdrawal dates, etc, before being slaughtered.
At a farm walk earlier this year, Department officials said that farmers will be required to notify their local district veterinary office of farm-to-farm movements after a certain date in 2010.

Companies supplying new electronic tags, conventional tags, slaughter tags and boluses will all be demonstrating their tag range at Sheep 2010.

Farmers will have a first-hand chance to research the full range of tags on the market, and examine what type of tag best suits their system. In addition, a number of tag companies will also be trading tag readers. While there is no requirement for farmers to purchase readers under the new regulations, those interested can also see what services readers on the market can provide.

All sheep destined for export must be double-tagged with an EID and conventional tag or receive a ruminal bolus. Lambs can be purchased for live export and upgraded to EID status by the exporter, who can insert a new set of tags and reconcile the new number to the original number in their flock register.

FarmersJournal.ie