Changes to cattle indentification rules introduced

With effect from 6th April 2007, the rules governing cattle identification and tracing have been changed in England, Wales and Scotland. The new Cattle Indentification Regulations 2007 see two main changes to former procedures:

1. Temporary calf passports - these have been abolished which means that full passports are required for all cattle before they are moved from their holding of birth.
2. Late passport application procedure - if an application has not been submitted within the stipulated 27 day period, it is now possible for keepers of such cattle to choose to have the calf and mother DNA tested to prove that the calf is the offspring of the mother detailed on the application form.

In addition, a new fee of £20 (per passport) for replacement passports has been introduced and this fee will be charged for the replacement of any passports lost, stolen or destroyed.

Further guidance regarding the introduction of the Cattle Indentification Regulations 2007 is available on Defra's website.