Further temporary suspension on the authorisation of new and replacement cattle tags

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has informed tag manufacturers of the need for a further temporary suspension of the authorisation of new and replacement cattle tags this incoming weekend.

From 12 noon on Saturday 17 June 2017 until 9:00am on Monday 19 June 2017, tag manufacturers will not be able to seek authorisation from DAERA to produce new or replacement cattle tags.

Farmers should ensure they have an adequate supply of new tags for any calves to be tagged and registered over this specific weekend. They are also advised to check that all animals to be moved off farm between these dates are double tagged and purchase replacement tags in advance if required. The authorisation of sheep tags will not be affected.

The second suspension is required to facilitate the implementation of the first phase of the new Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) database.

Notes to editors: 

1. From 12 noon on Saturday 17 June 2017 until 9:00am on Monday 19 June 2017, tag manufacturers will not be able to seek authorisation from DAERA to produce new or replacement cattle tags as the first phase of the new Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) database is implemented.
2. Under the Cattle Identification (No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 and the Cattle Identification (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998, a herd keeper is responsible for individually identifying each bovine animal in his herd with an approved ear tag applied to each ear.
3. All cattle should be regularly inspected to ensure both tags are in place and the identification numbers are legible. Under the Cattle Identification (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998, missing/illegible tags should be replaced within 28 days of being discovered or before the animal is moved from the herd, whichever is the sooner.
4. All farmers should ensure they have an adequate supply of new tags for any calves to be tagged and registered over this weekend.
5. The NIFAIS database is being developed to replace the current APHIS database. Development is being completed and released in stages with an expected completion date of 2019.
6. Authorisation of sheep tags will not be affected.
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