European Union-Compaints over sheep tags.

EURPEAN FARMERS UP IN ARMS OVER SHEEP TAGGING

The European Commissions plans to introduce compulsory electronic tagging of sheep.Could lead to many farmers leaving the industry, according to a National Farmers Union (NFU) spokesman.

Under the new legislation, all animals born after the 31 December 2009 must be identified with an electronic form of identification, and the movement of each animal must be recorded and reported.

Whilst the new regulations are inconvenient for the farmers and the NFU are questioning its value in helping control disease this is not a totally new system except for the electronic.

After De-Control on 23 July 1954 all cattle, sheep and pigs had to have a hole punched in the ear at time of sale at the market, to be eligible for subsidy. No pigs could be moved from farm to farm or to market without a Pig License from the local police station. At least with the new tag system you are tagging young lambs not full grown animals.

In the Republic of Ireland no cattle could be moved without an ear tag and a blue identification card (passport) for the animal.

In Australia no cattle can be moved without an identification labels tied around the tail of the animal with the farm and animal identification number.

In Argentina all animals have to be branded for cattle, tagged for sheep and even the transport truck has to be registered with the ONCCA and the number displayed on the side of the truck. Cattle and sheep have to be documented by The Department of Agriculture (ONCCA) and checked by a government vet before the vehicle moves.

No one likes change least of all traditional farmers.

Australia begins tagging all lambs at birth, from January 1 as in the UK, the Australian farmers do not like change but realize hat his is how the future is going to be, with complete traceabilty