Animal gatherings

The 'Animal Gatherings Order 2010' can be downloaded on this page.

Collection Lairages: for export and on Island trade:

The Animal Gatherings Order does not apply if the gathering takes place on premises owned or occupied by the owner of all the animals.

If animals are collected from other holdings to congregate on another holding site, for onward consignment within the British Isles (including on Island), this Legislation is applicable.

Animal gatherings must be held on premises with a 'paved' animal area, last no longer than 48 hours in total. All animal contact areas must conform to the Order. 'Paved' means paved with cement, concrete, asphalt or other hard, impermeable material that is capable of being effectively cleansed and disinfected. A cobbled area, or badly damaged concrete yard, would prove impossible to clean and disinfect adequately. Temporary hurdled, grassed, or track areas are not acceptable. This animal area must be cleaned, washed and disinfected before the animal collection, and again after the end. All floor areas, walls and handling equipment (races, crush, and hurdles) must be cleaned, washed and disinfected. A high pressure hose or pressure washer is required to complete this procedure to standard. Any equipment and portable handling facilities must not removed from the site without correct cleansing and disinfection.

Proper facilities, (including disinfectant bootwashes, and appropriate brushes,) for cleaning and disinfecting boots and waterproof clothing of all persons present, (including hauliers), must be provided. The Order requires that any person leaving the animal area must use those facilities, including, the footbath, which must contain approved disinfectant. No person may enter licensed premises with outer clothing or footwear that is visibly contaminated with mud, dung, or any other animal contaminant.

Cleaning, and washing of animal areas and equipment premises must take place in all circumstances, but if the requirement for disinfection (only) is not followed, any further animal gathering can only take place 27 days or more after the last animal left those premises. The premises and equipment present there must still be cleaned of visible contamination, and washed, before the next collection.

All dung, bedding and any uneaten food, left by the collected stock, must be removed, and disposed of correctly, at the end of the gathering.

Movements to gatherings must be recorded in movement records. On /off cards must be completed for cattle.

The department will licence such animal gatherings; this is a summary of the requirements.

Please ensure your haulier has the appropriate Transport Authorisation to transport the animals: please see the transport regulations page.

Further information can be obtained from the department:

DEFRA have provided a list of approved disinfectants.

Further information:

A policy must be adopted for animals that fail to travel, or are rejected at Veterinary Inspection. Any possible disease risk following mixing, from different herd or flocks is a critical factor. Subsequent return of these animals, to their original premises, must be discussed with the certifying Veterinary Surgeon initially, and also with the original consigning keeper.

Animal welfare and biosecurity are of prime importance.

Producers are reminded of the important additional requirements, of Farm Assurance in relation to lairages, transport, biosecurity and welfare.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all. If you require this document in an alternative format and / or language please contact us to discuss your needs.