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Sheep tagging rules due to change
sheep
There is no requirement to re-tag lambs born before January 1.
Use of non-EID tags for lambs will no longer be permitted

New sheep tagging rules are due to come into force on January 1, 2015, meaning non-EID tags for lambs will no longer be permitted. In addition, ewes and rams tagged before 2010 will now fall under EID rules.

From tomorrow, sheep farmers in England must use a single electronic identification (EID) slaughter tag for lambs that are not being retained for breeding. Non-EID tags will no longer be permitted.

However, lambs born before January 1 may still carry a non-EID tag and there is no requirement to re-tag these animals.

Use of the non-EID tag is still allowed in Wales until January 1, 2016. The National Sheep Association (NSA) has advised Welsh sheep farmers to carefully consider any tagging decisions they make in 2015.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker, said: "It is has always been important to use the non-EID slaughter tag in prime lambs only and not in store lambs, but this will be even more important for Welsh farmers in 2015, as they will be the only nation still using the non-EID slaughter tag and will reduce their selling options if they use plastic tags in lambs that may be bought for further finishing."

As of tomorrow, ewes and rams tagged before 2010 (known as "the historic flock") must be individually identified on movement records unless they are travelling directly to an abattoir or red market.

Historic flock animals do not need to be retagged with full EID. However, many sheep farmers may choose to do so if it facilitates the movement of older ewes and rams from the historic flock between farms or via markets.

Mr Stocker said: "It is not a legal requirement to retag ewes and rams from the historic flock with electronic identifiers, and we are not for a minute suggesting a gold plating of the rules.

"What we are saying is to carefully consider what moves you are likely to make with older animals in the future and, if these will not be direct to slaughter, double-tagging is likely to be the sensible option. It makes sense to do this when you are handling sheep in the coming months – and don’t forget to make a note in your flock register."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.