E I D
Main Changes in the Requirements for Identification of Sheep from 1/8/2010
Animals born from this time will require to be marked with two means of identification bearing the same information and one of these must be Electronic Identification (EID). Except for sheep intended for on-island slaughter under the age of 12 months. Animals for export are required to be double marked, the details depending on their date of birth.
| Q | Why the changes? |
|---|---|
| A | The changes are required to bring us in line with EU rules so we can continue to trade with EU member states, including Great Britain. |
| Q | What about animals born before 1/8/2010? |
| A | They should already be marked under the old Order (Sheep & Goat Identification Order 2000). However, animals born from 1/1/2010 onwards which are intended for live export (including to GB) will need to comply with the new rules. |
| Q | What marking is required for sheep born after 1/8/2010? |
| A | Animals born from 1/8/10 onwards and are intended for slaughter on the Isle of Man before 12 months of age are required to have a single yellow ear tag containing the triskelar symbol, the letters ‘UK’, followed by the flock mark and individual identification number. All other animals born from 1/8/10 onwards require 2 identification marks: ‘PRIMARY’: EID identification In the form of a yellow EID tag or a bolus. They must contain the same information as the Secondary means of identification and in the case of a tag must have the number written on the outside as well. ‘SECONDARY’: Tag This tag must contain the triskelar symbol, the letters ‘UK’, the flock mark and the individual identification number. If an EID Primary tag has been used then this secondary mark can be any colour, or combination of colour, as long as it is not red or black. These colours are reserved for unidentifiable sheep (red) and bolused UK sheep (black). If an EID bolus has been used, then this secondary mark must be a black tag, containing the information as above. |
| Q | When do my sheep require marking? |
| A | When they leave the holding or by 9 months of age, whichever is the earliest. |
| Q | I have sheep which were born pre-1/8/2010 which are destined for export, how do they need to be marked? |
| A | They need to be double tagged, details dependent on date of birth. Please contact the Animal Health section of the Agriculture Directorate for further details. |
| Q | What if a sheep loses one of an EID tag pair? |
| A | You can replace with another set of EID and numerical tags. You must record the original sheep identity and the new one, in your flock records. |
| Q | What if a sheep has lost both tags, and cannot be identified? |
| A | You must remark with red electronic, and red matching numerical tag. This animal will not be acceptable for export. |
| Q | Where do I buy tags? |
| A | Currently the approved devices which are available are:
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| Q | Do I need to buy a scanner? |
| A | You are not obliged to have a scanner. |
Please note: this is not intended nor should be taken as a definitive statement of the law.
Goats: Requirements are similar to those for sheep excepting there is no general requirement for EID and they must be identified by 6 months of age. Please contact DEFA Agriculture for further information.
| DEFA - Agriculture | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Thie Slieau Whallian Foxdale Road St Johns |
| Telephone: | + 44 (0) 1624 685844 |
| Email Address: | Agriculture@gov.im |
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