Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
5 May 2022
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ORGANISERS OF AND EXHIBITORS AT LIVESTOCK SHOWS/FAIRS, 2022
GENERAL
CODE OF PRACTICE – BIOSECURITY
Showground Co-operatives, 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 livestock shows, marts, 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
Cleaning / disinfection
Identification, documentation and record keeping
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 the Garda Siochana (such information can be provided on a strictly confidential basis).
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS - CATTLE
Animal Health Status
T.B.- 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 twelve 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 T.B. 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 1st of September 2022 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 6 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 which were born since 01/01/2013 must have a negative BVD status for BVD virus (not antibody) when moving, including to shows, within the state. With regard to animals entering the state from abroad including Northern Ireland, it is recommended that these are tested for BVD and evidence of this 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.
Bovine Identification & Mandatory Electronic Identification of bovines (EID
Mandatory electronic identification of bovines (EID) is being 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.
AIM Notification
Cattle being Imported from Northern Ireland for an Agricultural Show
Imports from Northern Ireland
It is very important that any proposal to import cattle to a show, including from Northern Ireland, is made known to the local Regional Veterinary Office 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 either be an assembly centre approved for exports 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 imported from Northern Ireland for a Show
Cattle from Northern Ireland 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 (export interpretation) during the 30 days prior to export.
To comply with eligibility requirements for re-importation into 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:
Documentation Required
Requirement in respect of Cattle being:
a. Cattle moving from Ireland to a Show in Northern Ireland must be recorded on the Departments Animal Identification and Movement database (AIM).
b. When the intra-community-trade Certificate is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the export movement for the animal(s) recorded onto AIM. All cattle must be accompanied by an official TRACES intra-community-trade certificate for bovine animals.
c. 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 Department officials in the RVO).
Cattle for Breeding and Production
Valid identity card/passport - all animals
Negative TB test (export interpretation) - all animals aged over 42 days within 30 days prior to export
Negative BVD test - animals born on or after January 1st 2013
Note – Normal export rules including the 30 day residency rule will apply.
2. Export 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 or vice versa currently applies for movements between Ireland and Northern Ireland only. Requests for cattle from Ireland to attend shows in countries other than Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland 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 exports to Northern Ireland. Therefore exhibitors who wish to show cattle at an EU Show other than in Northern Ireland should contact the local RVO at least one month prior to the Show.
Where the export of cattle from Ireland is agreed with the destination country, the movement of such cattle must be recorded on AIM. When the official intra-community trade Certificate for bovine animals is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the export 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:
Documentation required
Following the show, the following must be provided:
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[1]. 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 owners sheep dispatch document as follows:
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.
Exports to Northern Ireland
All sheep must be accompanied by a TRACES intra-community trade certificate for ovine animals. 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 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 2018
Shows between 1st May and 31st October
Sheep from Scrapie Monitored Flocks[2] 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.
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.
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:
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 2018
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 sheep free alleyway should separate the two penning areas at least twelve 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.
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.
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.
Export of Pigs to Shows
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.
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.
NPITS Help-line
For assistance on any aspect of the National Pig Identification and Tracing System (NPITS), contact the NPITS help-line on 01-5058881.
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 Department 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
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: www.gov.ie - 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.
In respect of each equine in his/her care, a keeper must ensure that
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.
Llama and Alpaca (camelids /even toed ungulates) – TB Animal Health Status / other
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.