All newborn calves will require an electronic identification (EID) tag from July 2022, it has been announced.
Approved cattle tag suppliers will be required to supply a white EID tag and one yellow tissue tag with new tag orders from 1 January 2022.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said that Ireland is recognised as having one of the best bovine traceability systems in the world, which has enable Ireland access to valuable markets abroad for their animals and products.
“Notwithstanding the success so far, the time is now opportune to introduce mandatory bovine EID,” he confirmed.
“This decision recognises advancements in the international marketplace and seeks to take advantage of newer technologies to enhance and future-proof the Irish bovine system.”
According to the Department, mandatory cattle EID tags will bring substantial improvements in the bovine identification system for farmers, livestock marts, slaughter plants, export assembly centres and veterinarians.
“Herd keepers and livestock marts will save time that is currently involved in making amendment applications associated with misreading of animals and mismatched passports when cattle are moving off the holding,” Mr McConalogue concluded.
LSL News.