Registration - Births and Deaths
Births of farm livestock have to be registered for traceability; calves, piglets, lambs and kids are recorded in the on-farm record book. Calves require a passport and their birth has to be notified to the British Cattle Movement Service.
For further information on registration and tagging requirements log onto the Welsh Assembly Government and Defra Websites or contact an Animal Health Officer.
It is a fact of life in farming that animals die. Recent rule changes mean that farmers can no longer bury or burn dead animals on their farm. Arrangements have to be made for an approved contractor to collect and properly dispose of the carcase. These new rules, whilst being more environmentally friendly and promoting disease control, have put a new burden on farmers in terms of time and cost.
Legislation governing the registration of births and deaths is designed to reduce the risk of spread of disease and provide traceability of animals going into the food chain. Dead farm animals must be disposed of in the appropriate manner without delay, this may involve a private arrangement with an approved contractor such as hunt kennels or knacker, the alternatives are the National Fallen Stock Scheme and the TSE Surveillance Service (for cattle over 24 months and sheep & goats over 18 months).
Fortunately, the majority of farmers take a responsible approach to the situation and use the correct means to dispose of dead animals. However, some farmers do not comply with their legal duties and leave carcases lying on the fields to decompose. When discovered this could lead to prosecution, this action supports the farmers who take the time and effort to comply with the law and assist with the prevention of spread of disease.
Poultry Register
Do you keep 50 or more poultry on a commercial basis - Yes? You need to provide your details and numbers of species of poultry kept. If you have less than 50 you can register voluntarily or alternatively contact Blaenau Gwent’s Animal Health Officers for advice.
A contingency plan has been prepared in case there should be an outbreak of Avian Influenza in the area, it would be of assistance if small scale keepers could contact us in order that information could be distributed rapidly regarding indoors housing of birds if required.
Q. Have you bought livestock recently?
Unsure what to do?
- Contact an Animal health Officer for advice.
- Contact Welsh Assembly Government, Llandrindod Wells for a CPH application form.
- Contact Animal Health Divisional Office, Llanishen, Cardiff within 30 days to register as a livestock keeper and obtain a flock or herd mark.
Contacts
Wales Rural Stress Helpline 0800 0858119
Welsh Assembly Government 01597 823777
Rural Inspectorate for Wales
State Veterinary Service 02920 768500
Llanishen, Cardiff
Poultry Register Helpline 0800 6341112
TSE Surveillance Helpline 0800 525890
