EU delays introduction of electronic sheep identification

The news that implementation of Electronic Identification (EID) for sheep and goats is to be delayed has been welcomed by industry bodies.

According to an EU report to the Council of Ministers, the move is to allow further discussion with stakeholders, following concerns over the resulting technology and economic cost of implementation on the sheep sector.

Elin Jones, minister for rural affairs in Wales, said: “This is good news for the sheep and farming industry and the Welsh Assembly Government will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that before EID becomes mandatory it is truly fit for purpose.”

However, she went on to remind producers that good record keeping and reporting of stock movements remains essential, particularly at a time of increased disease risk.

The rules on double tagging of sheep and goats, to be implemented in January, must still be complied with.