Note for Information regarding Movement of Bovine to Shows

The Department of Agriculture implemented a number of changes on 4th February 2019 which changed the procedures and criteria applicable when applying for a Certificate of Compliance for the movement of cattle. These also impact on the certificate which is required when moving bovine to a Show. The following sets out the criteria applicable:

▶ The movement of cattle to and from an Agriculture Show within the State must be recorded on the Animal Identification and Movement System (AIM).

▶ In line with these changes a specific certificates of Compliance for the “Movement of Bovine from a Single Holding to a Show” must now be requested prior to the movement of animals concerned.

▶ These certificates can be created by (i) applying on-line using their agfood account or (ii) where the keeper is not on line the certificate can be generated by the local Regional Veterinary Office following receipt of a NBAS31K with issue of the certificate being subject to normal criteria applicable. This form will be available on the Department’s Website and will also be included with the Show Circular when issued.

▶ When applying for this certificate the destination herd / or Show number is not required. The certificate generated will include an “S” symbol.

▶ The Certificate of Compliance for a Show will continue to be valid for a period of up to 30 days. As is currently the case these can be used for the movement of animals to a number of shows during the validity period of the certificate.

▶ Please also note—Calves which are less than 10 days cannot be moved to a Show. As is currently the case the Movement Notification Section of the Certificate should be Completed by the Keeper and the Show Secretary who must clearly indicate the Show Number. The Show movement should be recorded on the passport. Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling these requirements lies with the Show Secretary. If the animals move to a herd other than the source herd, the new destination herd must complete and sign the certificate also. Completed forms should be sent by the Show Secretary to the local RVO within 7 days of the Show.

Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

CATTLE

The requirements set out below are intended to protect the health of the animals at shows and sales, to minimise the risk of exposure to disease. Exhibitors should:

  1. Move animals direct from farm to show grounds
  2. Disinfect the vehicle used to transport animals before and after use
  3. Insist that all steps necessary to protect animals are taken by the show Committee
  4. Ensure that the required documentation which should accompany the animal is in order before the date of the Show and contact the local District Veterinary Office when deciding to exhibit at any show.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – CATTLE

Animal Health Status

TB – Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme

All animals must come from herds, which are Officially TB free (OTF - i.e., not restricted) and the herd and relevant animals must have had a clear test within the previous 12 months – this test must be recorded on the Department’s Animal Health Computer System (AHCS). In general, apart from cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months (see next paragraph), no pre-movement test is required for TB. However, it is recommended by the Department that a 30-day pre-movement test for TB should apply to all Shows. Animals which have disclosed inconclusive reactor results are not permitted to be moved for the purpose of exhibition at shows.

From the 1 February 2023, cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months that move from a show to a different herd must either have been tested in the previous 30 days or the animal and the herd presenting it to the show must have been tested in the previous six months prior to movement. If a cow of any age, or a male over the age of 36 months, moves from a show to a different herd and does not meet the above criteria then a TB test must be carried out on the animal concerned within 30 days of its movement into the new herd. If after 30 days, the animal has not been tested, the herd into which it has moved will be restricted and if, after a further 60 days the animal has still not been tested then the entire herd will be listed for a TB test.

For further information see new bovine TB testing requirements for animal movements on www.bovinetb.ie

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)

All bovine animals must have a negative BVD status for BVD virus (not antibody) when moving, including to shows, within the state. Animals entering the state, including Northern Ireland, must have a valid E.U. Health Certificate.

Identification, Registration, Movement Inspections

The restriction of a holding for noncompliance with IDR related issues will also impact movement of bovine to a show for the period of the restriction.

Bovine Identification & Mandatory Electronic Identification of bovines (EID)

Mandatory electronic identification (EID) of bovines has been implemented with effect from 1st July 2022. This means that all bovine animals born on or after 1st July 2022 must be identified with 2 official flag tags, one of which contains an EID component. All bovines born prior to 1st July 2022 must continue to bear 2 official flag tags as heretofore. There is no mandatory requirement that bovines in this age category bear an official EID tag.

Passports

All bovines attending shows must be accompanied by their passports.

Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Notification

  1. The movement of cattle to and from an Agricultural Show/Fair within the State must be recorded on the AIM System.
  2. With effect from 4 February 2019 there is a specific Certificates of Compliance for the “Movement of Bovine from a Single Holding to a Show”, form NBAS 31K refers.
  3. The herd keeper must obtain the Certificate of Compliance prior to the movement of animals. The certificate can be created by (i) using herd keepers’ on-line facility or (ii) where the keeper is not online the certificate can be generated by the local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) following receipt of a completed form NBAS 31K.
  4. The creation of a certificate is subject to normal movement criteria such as clear TB test etc.
  5. A copy of form NBAS 31K is included at Appendix 2 and will also be available on www.gov.ie.
  6. When applying for this certificate, the Show/Fair number is not required. The certificate generated will include an “S” symbol.
  7. The Certificate of Compliance for a show will continue to be valid for a period of up to 30 days. As is currently the case, these can be used for the movement of animal/s to several shows during the validity period of the certificate. Requests to the RVO should be provided with sufficient time to allow for the certificate to be generated and issued especially where one cert expires, and another is required immediately. Keepers who are likely to attend at consecutive shows are strongly advised to apply using herd keepers’ online facility. The ability to create and print a certificate immediately (subject to the bovine meeting the relevant criteria) will remove issues which can arise where a certificate is already in place and a further certificate is required.
  8. Calves which are less than 10 days old cannot be moved to a Show.
  9. The Movement Notification Section of the Certificate should be completed and signed by the keeper. The form should also be signed and stamped by the Show Secretary who must clearly indicate the Show Number. The Show movement must be recorded on the passport. Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling these requirements lies with the Show Secretary.
  10. If the animal/s move from the show to a herd other than the source herd, the new destination herd must also sign the certificate.
  11. Completed forms must be sent by the Show Secretary to the local RVO within seven days of the Show. Failure to have movements recorded within the required time scale may have implications for the herd keeper/s involved.