Veterinary Assistance On Cattle Passports

Keeping up with the paperwork can be a significant challenge for farmers these days and even the most methodical can become overwhelmed by events on a busy farm. Now vets can help farmers who are having problems as a result of incorrect or absent animal identification records, using DNA technology. DNA identification is an accepted route by which farmers can apply for cattle passports that allow animals to be moved off the holding where they were born, for sale or slaughter. With around one million individual cattle movements currently reported to the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) every month, it is vitally important that all stock are correctly identified by their own passports². Cattle without passports cannot be sold or moved between holdings, so they have very little commercial value other than as breeding animals on their home farm. In 2008 nearly 9000 cattle proved to be incorrectly identified on 50% of the holdings inspected by the Rural Payments Agency¹. Every month there are around 200,000 new applications for cattle passports³. Most passports are issued as a result of the farmer reporting the birth of a calf before 27 days of age. Some farmers are tackling the deadlines by using easy to access on-line reporting systems, with nearly 78% of all applications now being reported electronically². For those that miss the deadline there is an alternative route. A post 27 day-old animal can become eligible for a passport by confirming parentage using DNA-based tests. All too often, plans are already in place to move cattle when the absence of a passport is identified and that means farmers often have to act quickly with their vet to preserve profit margins, particularly when there is an opportunity to sell at premium market prices. The farmer needs to contact BCMS with details of the animal’s dam. On confirming that the dam is still alive, BCMS will issue an application form for DNA tests on both the dam and her calf. Their vet takes blood samples from the dam and calf, using an approved test kit. Practices can request free BCMS test kits from Pfizer Animal Genetics, if they don’t already hold some in stock. The blood samples, forms and cheques for lab fees are returned in a postage paid envelope supplied with the kit, either by the vet or farmer. The samples go to a BCMS-approved, ISO accredited laboratory in the UK and there is a fast turnaround of just two to three weeks to receive the results. Pfizer Animal Genetics can also supply leaflets explaining the process to farmers, for inclusion with regular practice mailings and say that the New Year is an ideal time to encourage farmers to check that all their paperwork is up to date. For further information contact Sales Managers Mike Marron on 07879487710 or Peter Quigley on 07990530276, Customer Services on 0845 303 7398 or e- mail [email protected]. References:

1. http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/120265/Farmers-face-payment-cuts-over-cattle-ID-rules.htm
2. http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/rpa-reports-rise-in-online-movement-reports/35613.article
3. http://www.rpa.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/vContentByTaxonomy/BCMS**Statistics**2009%20Statistics**?OpenDocument

More from

• IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
• Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
• Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
• Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
• Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause