Crest
Isle of Man Government
Reiltys Ellan Vannin
Isle of Man Government Crest

D.A.F.F

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Required Records ID and Tracing

QWHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION SAY?
A

If you keep sheep or goats in the Island, you are required by the Sheep and Goats Identification Order 2000 to mark them before they leave their holding of birth or residence with their sheep flock or goat herd mark (individual identification numbers are not required but we recommend when purchasing tags they also have sequential individual numbers). This has been compulsory since 1 January 2001.

Marking is required for all animals born on or first moved off the holding, and for all sheep and goats brought into the Island. You are not able to bring sheep or goats from another Member State or from another part of the British Islands into the Island unless they are already appropriately marked.
QWhat methods of marking should be used?
A

There are two approved methods of marking - ear tagging or tattooing. The legislation does not specify which ear should be used for tagging.

Although the legislation does not specify where a tattoo should be placed, we strongly recommend that an ear is used unless there are explicit reasons why not. If an ear is not used the keeper should try to ensure that the tattoo is in a visible place.

QCan other identification methods be used?
A You can identify your animals by other methods, for example, electronic identification but this will not replace the requirement for animals to be tagged or tattooed in accordance with legislation.

The Marking System

The ear tag for animals born on the holding of birth on or after 1 January 2001 must be coloured yellow and consist of the letters “UK” followed by the new numeric flock or herd mark of the holding of birth. The eartag for animals born before 1st January 2001 must be coloured green consist of the letters “UK” followed by the new numeric flock or herd mark of the holding of residence. The flock/herd mark will consist of six numbers. The tag must be printed or stamped with the letters and numbers, not hand written.

If you choose to tattoo, the tattoo must show the flock or herd mark of the holding of birth. The tattoo does not need to include “UK”. You can include additional information on your compulsory ear tag or tattoo, if you so wish, provided that this does not make identification of the flock/herd mark difficult. Tattooing can only be carried out in those animals born on or after the 1st January 2001.

Since the 1 January 2001, animals being exported must be marked with a yellow or green eartag (depending on the date of birth in accordance with paragraph 6) indicating the holding of residence or birth and a unique identification number.

QAre the flock or herd marks for sheep or goats the same as the ones for cattle?
AIn most cases your mark will be similar. It will be different if you have registered your cattle and sheep/goats under different holding numbers. If you have a query about the mark you have been allocated, please contact the Animal Health Division on 685844.
QDo I have to identify my animal if it is moving straight to slaughter?
AThere are no exceptions to the requirement for marking by ear tag or tattoo for animals going to slaughter. However, you can use a small lightweight tag for such animals as long as the numbers can be read for the duration of the animal’s life.
QWhat if I need to take my animal to the vet?
A As long as your animal is returning to the holding of birth, you may take your animal to a veterinary practice for any veterinary procedure or treatment without marking it by ear tag or tattoo.
QWhat happens if my animal loses its identification?
A

You must maintain all ear tags and tattoos so that they can be clearly read. If an ear tag is lost or becomes illegible, or if the tattoo becomes illegible, it must be replaced. Provided you know what the original mark on the tag was you may replace it with that mark. If you prefer you may use the mark of the holding which the animal currently resides on. If you choose this option you must cross reference the new mark with the old mark in your farm register.

If the original holding mark is not known only for animals born after 1st January 2001, the animal must be identified by a red ‘R’ tag or tattoo of the current holding mark followed by the letter ‘R’. These animals cannot be exported. Animals prior to the 1st January 2001, which lose a green tag can have that tag replaced with another green indicating the holding of residence at that time.

QWho supplies ear tags?
A

A list of known ear tag manufacturers is at Appendix A. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other manufacturers known to you who can supply ear tags. If you have difficulty in finding suppliers of tags, agricultural merchants who are members of the Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) usually handle these items. AHDA members are listed on the AHDA website at www.ahda.org.uk. Make sure you order your supply of ear tags well in advance of needing them.

QAre there any other changes in the new legislation?
A

Since 1 January 2001 you must keep records of the movements of sheep and goats and movement documents must accompany animals during transit. Total numbers of sheep/goats moved, their flock/herd marks or individual ear tag numbers, dates, purchaser and destinations must be recorded in movement documents and movement books. The movement records must be retained for six years.

Ear Tag Manufacturers

ALLFLEX EUROPE UK LTD

Unit 7
Galalaw Business Park
Hawick
Roxburghshire
TD9 8PZ
Tel: 01450 364 120
Fax: 01450 364 121

BROOKWICK WARD

88 Westlaw Place
Whitehill Estate
Glenrothes
Fife KY6 2RZ
Tel: 01592 630052
Fax: 01592 630109

COX SURGICAL

1, Greencroft Industrial Park
Stanley
County Durham
DH9 7YA
Tel: 0845 600 80 81
Fax: 0800 783 66 55

DALTON SUPPLIES LTD.

Dalton House, Newtown Road
Henley-on-Thames
Oxon RG9 1HG
Tel: 01491 419000 or 0800 838 882
Fax: 01491 419001

DENIMEX

Northdown Business Park
Ashford Road
Lenham
Kent ME17 2DL
Tel: 01622 850057
Fax: 01622 850097

EARLSMERE I.D. SYSTEMS LTD.

Earlsmere House, Earlsmere Drive
Doncaster Road
Barnsley
Ardsley
South Yorkshire
S71 5EH
Tel: 01226 204096
Fax: 01226 244169

FEARING INTERNATIONAL

Brixworth
Northampton
NN6 9ND
Tel: 01604 881491
Fax: 01604 881616

KETCHUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD

White Lodge
Tadworth Street
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 3RE
Tel: 01737 812218
Fax: 01737 814372.

MARKRITE TAGS

Priory Yard
Town Mills
Launceston
Cornwall
PL15 8HU
Tel: 01566 774268
Fax: 01566 774268

NORDIC STAR

11 Greenway Lane
Bath
BA2 4LJ
Tel: 01225 481477
Fax: 01225 316137

RITCHEY TAGG LTD.

Masham
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 4ES
Tel: 01765 689541
Fax: 01765 689851

SHEARWELL DATA LTD.

Putham Farm
Wheddon Cross
Minehead
Somerset
TA24 7AS
Tel: 01643 841611
Fax: 01643 841628

ROXAN iD

The Old Joinery
Philiphaugh
Selkirk
TD7 5LU
Tel/Fax: 01750 22940

SYMTAG

Unit 5
Poolbridge Workshops
Blackford
Nr Wedmore
Somerset
BS28 4PA
Tel: 01934 713626
Fax: 01934 713627

UK ANIMAL LIVESTOCK LTD.

Unit B17
Whitwood
Enterprise Park
Castleford
WF10 5PX
Tel: 01977 667222
Fax: 01977 667333
E-mail or enquiries: dave@ukal.co.uk
 
Download BrowseAloudTerms & Conditions©2008 Isle of Man Government