IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ORGANISERS OF
AND EXHIBITORS AT LIVESTOCK SHOWS/FAIRS, 2023
1. GENERAL
1. Agriculture Show/Fair organisers must notify the Superintending Veterinary Inspector (SVI) at their local Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) of the intention to hold a show and provide the location and proposed dates of the show/event at least two weeks prior to event.
2. Keeper herd numbers for Agricultural Shows/Fairs must be obtained in advance from Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Division, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co Kildare, W23 X3PH – Telephone (01) 5058882. Requests for a Keeper number for a Show/Fair should be made at least two weeks before the event using form NBAS 37 (see Appendix 1)
3. New requirement: All Show/Fair Organisers concerning the nomination of Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) and Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP):
a. An AWO/s for each show to assist in IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ORGANISERS OF
AND EXHIBITORS AT LIVESTOCK SHOWS/FAIRS, 2023nsuring compliance with the animal welfare requirements and to act as a contact point in the event of any animal health or welfare concerns arising during the show.
b. A PVP is required to attend the show in the event of any animal requiring a veterinary assessment or treatment during the show.
c. The name and contact details for each of these must be provided to the RVO SVI two weeks in advance of the show (see Section 3 below for further details).
4. Exhibitors should apply in good time to the Show Secretary to check any requirements specific to that show.
5. AIM Division receives queries concerning a small number of “Local Fairs”. All such events must be notified to the SVI in the relevant RVO. The SVI will advise on the management of such events including the procedures to be followed in respect of recording the movement of animals concerned.
6. Where a livestock mart premises is being used for the purpose of a show and the livestock mart system is being utilised to record the intake and onward movement of the bovine animals to the AIM database, a Certificates of Compliance will not be required.
7. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the updated criteria set out in Section “Specific Requirements – Cattle “and the application form (NBAS 31K – see Appendix 2) to forward to the RVO when requesting a Certificate of Compliance for movement of bovine to a Show.
8. Documentation is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/68686-animal-identification-movement-aim/#shows Also see gov.ie – Data Protection Privacy Notices (www.gov.ie).
2. CODE OF PRACTICE – BIOSECURITY
Showground Operators, Agricultural Premises and Livestock Marts
In general, movement and mixing of animals presents the greatest risk of the spread of most animal diseases. For that reason, the operators of a livestock show, mart etc., have a key role to play in ensuring that the disease risks associated with their premises and operations are kept to a minimum. Specific legal requirements apply in relation to bio-security arrangements. Adherence to these bio-security arrangements and the guidelines outlined below can have a significant impact on reducing the opportunities for disease transmission.
Acceptance of Animals
1. All keepers must be appropriately registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) if presenting animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses and other equine, exotic/other animals including Llama, Alpaca).
2. Under no circumstances should animals that are improperly identified or registered or documentation incomplete be accepted.
Cleaning/Disinfection
1. All areas where animals will be located should be clean and contamination free prior to introducing animals for show purposes.
2. All areas where show animals are congregated, held or have been in contact, should be washed down thoroughly and disinfected with an approved disinfectant at the end of each day at a minimum.
3. Keep drinking/feeding troughs clean and free of animal waste or other contaminants.
4. Cleaning and disinfection facilities should be available on site for all transport vehicles delivering/collecting animals. Shows should at all times enforce the use of these cleaning and disinfection facilities. A list of approved disinfectants is available on the gov.ie website.
5. Ensure that clients, when visiting the premises, wear waterproof footwear (e.g., wellington boots) that can be cleaned and disinfected easily.
6. Provide footbaths with suitable approved disinfectant at appropriate locations on the premises.
7. Provide facilities for hand washing with liquid soap and for washing down footwear.
8. Provide signs on premises reminding people of the need to minimise the risks of disease transmission and the availability on-site of washing facilities for vehicles and persons.
Identification, Documentation and Record Keeping
1. Retain a record of the registration number of each vehicle delivering/collecting each consignment of animals.
2. Maintain a register, in readily accessible form, of all vendors/buyers, including numbers and types of animals involved in each transaction.
3. Ensure compliance with all requirements in relation to record keeping and retention of records.
4. Forward completed Certificates of Compliance in respect of bovines and Sheep or Goat Dispatch Documents to the local RVO to ensure that the cattle, sheep and goat movement details are recorded on the AIM database 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.
Suspicious/Unusual Transactions or Movements
Report any suspicious or unusual transactions or movements involving livestock to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or An Garda Síochána (such information can be provided on a strictly confidential basis).
3. ANIMAL WELFARE REQUIREMENTS
All show organisers must ensure that provisions are in place in advance of the show/fair to protect the welfare of all animals at the show. The provisions must take account of the species of animal, the age and type of animal, the duration of the show and the likely weather conditions. They should also take into account whether animals are accustomed to shows and their ability to cope with novel and stressful situations. The Animal Health and Welfare Act No 15 of 2013 specifies the general legal provisions for animal welfare.
The following requirements apply:
Animal accommodation:
All animal accommodation must be appropriate to the species and type of animals being housed/ penned and must:
• Prevent the animals from escaping and not cause injury to animals (e.g., no sharp edges or protrusions).
• Have non-slip/comfortable flooring with dry bedding at least in the case of animals with extra needs (e.g., young animals, pregnant and lactating animals).
• Have enough space that animals can move around, behave normally (groom etc) and lie down together if penned in groups.
• Ensure animals are penned in compatible groups or if penned individually that they can see other animals.
• Ensure animals are safeguarded against fire, environmental or other hazards.
• Ensure that the lighting is sufficient to allow easy inspection of the animals at all times.
• Have and use a designated hospital pen for sick or injured animals with handling facilities to allow safe examination of an animal.
Feed and water:
• Fresh water should be available to animals at all times during the show. If suitable functional drinkers are not present in the pens, alternative arrangements must be put in place (e.g., facilities for keepers to fill buckets and supply water to their animals). The volume of water needed should take account of the species and type of animals and the weather conditions.
• Animals must have ready access to feed suitable during the show or at reasonable intervals in line with their species, age and type (e.g., calves not with their dam must be fed at least twice a day).
Protection from adverse weather:
• Animals must be protected from adverse or extreme weather conditions – shade/cover must be provided in the case of extremes of hot/cold-wet weather.
• Particular attention must be given to animals susceptible to heat or cold stress e.g., young animals, unshorn sheep.
• If animals are kept indoors/in tents, care must be taken to monitor the temperature in the indoor space and provide extra ventilation where necessary.
Handling
• Animals should be handled by experienced and competent personnel only (ideally the keeper).
• Moving/handling should be minimised, and handling should take account of the novel/stressful situation (move calmly and quietly, allow more time etc).
Nominated Animal Welfare Officer and Private Veterinary Practitioner
• Show/fair organisers must nominate an Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) in advance of each show or fair.
• The name and contact details (mobile phone number) for the AWO must be provided to the RVO SVI two weeks in advance of the event.
• For shows or fairs with single species or small numbers of animals, one AWO will suffice. For larger, multispecies events it may be prudent to have more than one AWO, however this is at the discretion of the show organiser.
• The role of the Animal Welfare Officer is
o to assist in ensuring compliance with the animal welfare requirements at planning and during the show,
o to act as a contact point in the event of any animal health or welfare concerns arising
o to help to co-ordinate any actions required to deal with such issues.
• In addition, show/fair organisers must provide the details of a nominated PVP or PVPs who will be available to attend the show, without delay, in the event of any animal requiring a veterinary assessment or treatment during the 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, 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.
New Animal Health Law Requirements
From the 1 February 2023, cows 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, 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 30 days the animal has still not been tested then the entire herd will be listed for a TB test.
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. Regarding animals entering the state from abroad including Northern Ireland (NI), it is recommended these are tested for BVD and evidence provided to the show organiser. Some animals from NI may have been tested in the voluntary phase of the programme there. It is possible for a declaration of such negative results to be generated from the NI database and provided to the show organiser. Animals entering the state, including Northern Ireland, must have a valid E.U. Health Certificate
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) 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 (RVO) following receipt of a completed form NBAS 31 K.
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 agfood.
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 / stamped by 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.
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.
Cattle being Moved from Northern Ireland for an Agricultural Show
Movements from Northern Ireland (NI)
It is very important that any proposal to move cattle to a show, including from NI, is made known to the local RVO well in advance so that consideration can be given to compliance with the requirements outlined below.
Premises
The show premises at which the cattle will reside for the duration of their stay must be an assembly centre approved for Intra Trade (movements to other Member States) or of such a standard as being capable of being approved for such a purpose temporarily. A fundamental requirement for such premises is that they have surfaces that are capable of being cleaned and disinfected and have adequate cleaning and disinfection facilities. Adequate segregation facilities may be required also (see under “Status of Animals” below).
Status of Bovine Animals moved from Northern Ireland for a Show
Cattle from NI being moved to a show must be certified in accordance with the normal animal health requirements for intra-community trade in breeding animals including having passed a TB test (INTRA TRADE interpretation) during the 30 days prior to movement.
To comply with eligibility requirements for return to Northern Ireland after the show
Cattle cannot mix with any cattle of a lesser health status while at the show.
This can be achieved in one of two ways:
1. either the moved animals are kept segregated fully from other cattle at the show which have not been tested, or
2. all cattle attending the show must have been TB tested (Intra Trade interpretation) within 30 days.
Documentation Required
1. Cattle moved to a show from NI must be accompanied by an original breeding Intra-Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) and a passport for each animal.
2. A TRACES message, corresponding with the TRACES certificate, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by officials in the dispatching country).
3. For the return journey, this original certificate must be endorsed by the signature of the official veterinarian of the Department at the show, together with the official stamp of the competent authority and date of endorsement.
4. A TRACES message will be sent for the return journey also (this will be performed by Department officials attending the show).
5. In addition, a non-comminglement certificate must be issued by the official veterinarian for the show at or before return, stating that the animal shows no clinical signs of disease and has not been in contact, during its stay at the show/event, with animals of a lesser health status. The passport must accompany the animal on the return journey also.
6. CMMS 5 – In such cases and in addition to the above the Keeper/Owner of the animals in conjunction with the Show Secretary must also ensure that a CMMS 5 document is completed and returned to the Animal Identification and Movement Division, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co Kildare, W23 X3PH detailing those animals moved to take part in the Show. The keeper of the moved animal(s) is required to sign the form when the animal arrives at the Show and provide his/her herd number. Following the Show, the official veterinarian should complete the bottom portion of the CMMS 5 form also confirming that he has stamped the official Health Certificate and that he has issued a Non-Comminglement Certificate.
7. A copy of the CMMS 5 form is attached at Appendix 2 and will also be available on the Departments website/from the local RVO.
8. The Secretary/Keeper should retain a photocopy of the form if required.
Requirement in respect of Cattle being:
A. Moved to Northern Ireland for an Agricultural Show (and returned) and
B. Consideration regarding movement of cattle to an agricultural show within the EU other than NI
A. Movement to Northern Ireland
1. Cattle moving from Ireland to a Show in NI must be recorded on the Departments AIM database.
2. When the ITAHC is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the outward movement for the animal(s) recorded onto AIM. All cattle must be accompanied by an official TRACES ITAHC for bovine animals (BOV-X).
3. A TRACES message, corresponding with the ITAHC, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by Department officials in the RVO).
Cattle for Breeding and Production
Valid identity card/passport – all animals
Negative TB test (Intra Trade interpretation) – all animals aged over 42 days within 30 days prior to movement
1. Regarding BVD, keepers will need to satisfy the RVO that
a. the proposed show will not accept animals from herds that have contained animals Persistently Infected (P.I.) with BVD within the past 18 months
b. all animals at the show will come from herds where every animal has either a direct or indirect negative BVD test.
2. An official certificate of non-comminglement should be issued by the veterinarian at the show, at or before the time of return.
3. All animals should be isolated for at least 14 days on their return to the herd of origin. The herd keeper should make arrangements with the RVO to have the animal(s) sampled for BVD antibody and antigen before mixing with the rest of the herd.
4. Keepers should be aware that if the results of these tests indicate that the animal(s) pose a risk to the National eradication programme, an epidemiological investigation may be triggered.
Note – Normal movement rules including the 30-day residency rule will apply.
B. Movement of cattle to an agricultural show within the EU other than to Northern Ireland
Agreement for the movement and immediate return of cattle to a Show in another country within the EU or vice versa currently applies for movements between Ireland and NI only. Requests for cattle from Ireland to attend shows in countries other than NI will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Before the movement of cattle from Ireland to a Show in parts of the EU other than to NI takes place, it is imperative to establish that the Competent Authority of the destination country has agreed to put in place the same system for the processing of the documentation as applies to movements to NI. Therefore, exhibitors who wish to show cattle at an EU Show other than in NI should contact the local RVO at least one month prior to the Show.
Where the movement of cattle from Ireland is agreed with the destination country, the movement of such cattle must be recorded on AIM. When the official ITAHC for bovine animals is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the outward movement of the animal(s) recorded onto AIM.
Process to be followed to ensure that a record is generated to record the return of cattle from a Show to the Home Farm from:
• Northern Ireland and/or
• A location within the EU other than to Northern Ireland where applicable/approved in line with the above (additional to those noted below may also be requested where approved).
Documentation required.
Following the show, the following must be provided:
a. The Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) that accompanied the animal from Northern Ireland must be endorsed and stamped by the official veterinarian at the Show (a new ITAHC may need to be generated to accompany the animals if they are returning to a location other than Northern Ireland)
b. A Non-Comminglement certificate
c. CMMS 6 form: When the animal returns to the home farm, the keeper presents these Certificates to the RVO along with a completed CMMS 6 form stating that the animal has returned from the show. The RVO can then record the return movement back to the keeper’s holding on the AIM system. A copy of the CMMS 6 form is attached at Appendix 4 and will also be available on the Departments website/from the local RVO. The Secretary/keeper show should retain a photocopy of the form if required.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – SHEEP
Identification
All sheep must be identified individually with appropriate ear tags issued in accordance with the requirements of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS).
Movement Documentation
All consignments of sheep being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document. Individual details of each sheep in the consignment must be recorded on the document. Sheep from non-restricted flocks only can be moved to shows. In the case of flocks restricted following diagnosis of scrapie, sheep possessing the ARR/ARR genotype only may be exhibited . The movement of these ARR/ARR genotype sheep must be accompanied by the relevant movement permit (SCR/10), which can be obtained from the Regional Veterinary Office responsible for the county in which the flock is located.
AIM Notification
The movement of sheep to and from an Agricultural Show within the State must be recorded on AIM. This is done using a copy of the owner’s sheep dispatch document as follows:
1. The owner/keeper presents the signed and completed dispatch document to the show secretary who checks it to ensure that it is completed in full.
2. The show secretary fills in the MART section of the dispatch document with (i) the show number, (ii) the date of the move back to the source holding (iii) stamps it with the show stamp and (iv) signs the dispatch document.
3. The show secretary then forwards the completed pink section of the dispatch document to the local RVO within 7 days of the show movement.
4. The show secretary keeps white copy for his/her records.
5. The source/destination keeper keeps the bottom yellow copy to enter it into their flock register.
Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the Show Secretary.
Flock Register
All movements of sheep to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s flock register.
Movement to Northern Ireland
All sheep must be accompanied by an intra trade animal health certificate (ITAHC) for ovine animals. A TRACES message, corresponding with the ITAHC, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by Department officials from the RVO). Exhibitors are advised to contact the show society in Northern Ireland well in advance of any show to determine the suitability of the show for return of animals (e.g., premises and sheep status), and whether the authorities will have officials and veterinary staff present to supervise and process documentation for animals returning to origin.
Agreement for the movement and immediate return of sheep to a Show in another country or vice versa currently applies for movements between Ireland and Northern Ireland only – it does not apply for movements to Great Britain or further afield. Movements to shows other than Northern Ireland will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and you should contact your local Regional Veterinary Office at least one month prior to the Show.
Attendance of sheep from scrapie monitored flocks at shows and sales in 2023
Shows between 1st May and 31st October
Sheep from Scrapie Monitored Flocks will be permitted to attend Agricultural Shows taking place between 1st May and 31st October, without restriction or separation from other categories of sheep.
Shows outside of the 1st May and 31st October Period
For shows taking place before 1st May or after 31st October, sheep from Scrapie Monitored or Probationary Flocks must be separated from other sheep as set down below.
a. There must be complete separation of Monitored/Probationary sheep from other categories of sheep at the show. Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the two groups and separate sale rings for each of the two groups.
b. In locations where all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and also of penning areas. The two penning areas should be separated by a sheep-free alleyway by at least 12 feet wide. If only one show ring is available, the sheep from the scrapie-monitored flocks must be shown first.
Sales between 1st May and 31st October
Sheep from Scrapie Monitored Flocks will be permitted to attend sales taking place between 1st May and 31st October, without restriction or separation from other categories of sheep.
Sales outside of the 1st May and 31st October Period
For sales taking place before 1st May or after 31st October, sheep from Scrapie Monitored or Probationary Flocks must be separated from other sheep as set down below.
1. There must be complete separation of the two categories of sheep at the sale (monitored animals including probationary monitored animals and non-monitored animals). Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the three groups and separate sale rings for each of the three groups.
2. In locations where all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and of penning areas also. A sheep-free alleyway should separate the two penning areas by at least 12 feet wide.
3. If only one sale ring is available, the procedures set out in the following two options must be adhered to.
a. The sheep from the Scrapie monitored flocks must be offered for sale first, followed by non-monitored animals or
b. The ring can be divided by gates into two sections to ensure that each of the two categories of animals is confined to a unique part of the sales ring.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – GOATS
Identification
All goats must be identified individually with a pair of approved ear tags bearing the same number, one in each ear, issued in accordance with the requirements of the National Goat Identification System (NGIS).
Movement Documentation
All consignments of goats being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document. Only goats from herds/holdings that are not under restriction can be moved to shows.
AIM Notification
The movement of goats to and from an Agricultural Show within the State must be recorded on AIM. This is done using a copy of the keeper’s goat dispatch document as follows:
1. The owner/keeper presents the signed and completed dispatch document to the show secretary who checks that it is completed in full.
2. The show secretary fills in the MART section of the dispatch document with (i) the show number, (ii) the date of the move back to the source holding, (iii) stamps it with the show stamp and (iv) signs it.
3. The show secretary then forwards the completed yellow section of the dispatch document to the local RVO within 7 days of the show movement.
4. The show secretary keeps white copy for their records.
5. The source/destination keeper keeps the bottom blue copy to enter it into their herd register.
Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the Show Secretary.
Herd Register
All movements of goats to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s goat herd register.
Attendance of goats from monitored herds at shows and sales in 2023
Shows between 1st May and 31st October
Goats from Scrapie Monitored Herds will be permitted to attend Agricultural Shows taking place between 1st May and 31st October, without additional controls or separation from other categories of goats.
Shows outside of the 1st May and 31st October Period
For shows taking place before 1st May or after 31st October, goats from Scrapie Monitored or Probationary herds must be separated from other goats as set down below.
1. There must be complete separation of Scrapie Monitored/Probationary goats from other categories of goats at the show. Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the two groups and separate sale rings for each of the two groups.
2. In locations where all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and of penning areas also. A goat free alleyway should separate the two penning areas by at least 12 feet wide. If one show ring only is available, the goats from the Scrapie monitored herds must be shown first.
Sales between 1st May and 31st October
Goats from Scrapie Monitored Herds will be permitted to attend sales taking place between 1st May and 31st October, without additional controls or separation from other categories of goats.
Sales outside of the 1st May and 31st October Period
For sales taking place before 1st May or after 31st October, goats from Scrapie Monitored/Probationary Herds must be separated from other goats as set down below.
1. There must be complete separation of the two categories of goats at the sale (monitored animals including probationary monitored animals and non-monitored animals). Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the three groups and separate sale rings for each of the three groups.
2. In locations where, all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and also of penning areas. A goat free alleyway should separate the two penning areas by at least 12 feet wide.
3. If only one sale ring is available, the procedures set out in the following two options must be adhered to.
a. The goats from the Scrapie monitored herds must be offered for sale first, followed by non-monitored animals or
b. The ring can be divided by gates into two sections to ensure that each of the two categories of animals is confined to a unique part of the sales ring
For enquiries regarding the NGIS, please contact the Sheep and Goat Identification and Movement Section, AIM Division on 01 5058723.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – PIGS
Identification
All pigs must be identified by means of an approved ear tag on movement off the holding. Breeding stock must be individually identified i.e., the letters IE, a five-character herd registration and an individual number, while other stock are required to have a herd identification i.e., the letters IE and a five-character herd registration.
Movement Documents
All consignments of pigs which are being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document. The dispatch document should reflect the movement to and from the show. The owner of the animal(s) retains all three copies of the document.
Movement Notification
The movement of pigs to and from shows must be notified by phone to the central movement database on 0818 191000. Notification of movements to a show must be made at least 24 hours before the movement takes place. Movements of pigs into the herd on return from a show must be made within 24 hours of the pigs returning to the holding. Copies of dispatch documents should be kept for a minimum of 3 years.
Herd Register
All movements of pigs to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s pig herd register.
Animal Health Status – Aujeszky’s Disease
Ireland is now officially recognised as being free from Aujeszky’s Disease. Therefore, pigs from any pig holding may be sent to shows.
Movement of Pigs to Shows in another Member State
Exhibitors are asked to contact the NPITS help-line (details below) if they wish to show pigs at an Agricultural Show in another Member State.
Requirement to register pig shows in advance with the Department
Shows must be notified to the Department to ensure that they are recorded on the central database. Accordingly, it is not possible to accept movement notifications for unlisted shows. Thus, if an exhibitor intends to show pigs, even small numbers of pigs on a “once off” or an irregular basis, at shows, it is important to check that such shows have been notified to the Department.
An exhibitor can check if a show is listed and recorded on the central database of the Department by contacting the NPITS Help-line.
NPITS Helpline
For assistance on any aspect of the National Pig Identification and Tracing System (NPITS), contact the NPITS help-line on
01-5058881.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – POULTRY
Restrictions on the movement of poultry and captive birds may vary depending on the international and local situation with regard to Avian Influenza. Therefore, show organisers should contact the local RVO prior to organising an event to confirm whether any restrictions are in place at the time of the show.
Further information is available at
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/avian_influenza/informationonshowsexhibitionsraces/
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – HORSES AND OTHER EQUINES
Premises Registration
As from 1 May 2012, any premises (which includes shows, fairs and markets) where horses or other equines are gathered must be registered with the Department. Owners/persons in charge of such gatherings are required to submit a completed application form for registration and to keep records of movements on/off their premises.
Records must be retained for at least 3 years as they may be required by the Department for the purposes of tracing disease. Records required are
• The name and address of the owner/person in charge of the premises from which the equine came
• The premises registration number from which the equine came and
• Passport number/UELN number of the animal
It is important therefore that Show organisers should contact their local Regional Veterinary Office in advance so that consideration can be given to compliance with the requirements outlined above.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/form/19428-application-for-registration-of-an-equine-premises-under-the-control -on-places-where-horses-are-kept-regulations-2014/
Equine Identification
All Equines (which include horses, ponies and donkeys) must be identified in accordance with EU and national legislation.
• It is an offence to be in possession of an equine that is not properly identified.
• Equine passports must be issued by approved Passport Issuing Organisations [PIOs] not later than 12 months from the date of birth of the animal and, in any event before the equine leaves the establishment of birth for a period exceeding 30 days, except in limited circumstances. The passport is valid for the lifetime of the animal. A list of the PIOs approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is set out in Appendix 5.
• Microchip – all equines issued with a passport after 1st July 2009 must have a corresponding microchip implanted by a veterinarian, the details of which are recorded in the passport and in the central equine database, thereby creating a link between the passport and the animal.
In respect of each equine in their care, a keeper must ensure that
• the equine is registered with an approved PIO;
• the animal’s passport is issued in accordance with EU and national legislation;
• they are in compliance with the provisions of the legislation whereby the passport issued in respect of the equine must accompany the animal whenever it is moved to events such as shows, sales and to slaughter plants, etc.
Further information is available from Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, – at Livestock Breeding, Production and Trade Division, Farnham St, Cavan (Phone +353 49 4368200) in respect of studbook equines and from Animal Identification and Movement Division, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co Kildare, W23 X3PH (Phone +353 1 5058881) in respect of equines that do not qualify for entry into a studbook.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – EXOTIC/OTHER ANIMALS (INCLUDING LLAMA, ALPACA)
CODE OF PRACTICE – BIOSECURITY
Show organisers are reminded of the need to comply with the code of practice on biosecurity and cleansing and disinfection measures as set out earlier in this document for all animals which are to be presented at a show.
A full list of exhibitors should also be maintained for all animals present at the show.
Llama and Alpaca (camelids /even toed ungulates) – TB Animal Health Status / other.
1. These animals should not be accepted at a show if they are from a farm or holding on which the bovine herd is restricted for TB.
In addition:
2. Llamas/Alpaca attending the shows from Northern Ireland must be accompanied by a Directive 92/65EC health certificate issued by DAERA (or DEFRA – England or Seerad – Scotland). In addition, these animals should not mingle with animals not similarly certified whilst at the show.
For further enquiries regarding the showing of exotic/other species, show organisers should contact the Veterinary Inspectorate in the local Regional Veterinary Office prior to organising an event to confirm whether any further restrictions or requirements are in place at the time of the show.