Sheep and Goats: Identification and Traceability 
Sheep and Goat Identification and Traceability are a vital part of animal disease control in Scotland. In the event of a disease outbreak, it is important that all animals can be identified and movements traced.
To ensure this level of traceability is achieved, all sheep and goats keepers are required to comply with current legislation which is set by the European Commission.
Legislation
Guidance
Scottish Government has produced guidance which explains the new rules for sheep and goat identification and recording from 31 December 2009, the guidance is designed to be a general guide to help you meet the requirements of the law, the guidance provides details on identification of animals, what to record in holding registers and also explains the requirements of movement documents.
The new rules for the identification and registration of sheep and goats came into force on 31 December 2009. These changes are European law (EC 21/2004) and are intended to improve traceability by introducing individual animal recording; which will allow us to manage a disease outbreak more effectively.
Sheep and Goat movement documents were issued to sheep and goat keepers during May 2008. Please remember that you need to keep copies of earlier completed movement documents for three years.
For further information on the Scottish Governments Research Pilot please go to the EID Research Pilot website, or contact them, details below:
ScotEID Information Centre
Unit 28
The Huntly Business Centre
Gordon Street
HUNTLY
AB54 8FG
Phone: 01466 794323 (Four lines)
Fax: 01466 792801