ScotEID have published their latest update on work ongoing with cattle EID. This report provides information on ‘hybrid’ tags, which combine both an LF transponder and UHF transponder to provide real flexibility to farmers, markets and abattoirs.
Cattle EID in Scotland: A research update

The ScotEID Phase 4 development plan outlines the current work of the ScotEID research and development team. The overall objective is to utilise applied research and development to explore the feasibility of a Scottish multi-species livestock relational database system capable of interfacing with other data systems to meet regulatory requirements for the UK Member States well as taking on board additional industry requirements.

Current work includes new software to allow farmers to record farm to farm sheep movements electronically, completion of the BVD database including systems to provide faster data transfer from CTS and laboratories, research into practical systems for cattle EID, and data sharing arrangements to provide information for fast accurate tracing in the event of a disease outbreak.

ScotEID Phase 4 plan

In January 2014 we will enter phase 3 of the BVD eradication scheme. This will require, along with a continuation of mandatory annual screening:

• A ban on knowingly selling/moving cattle infected with BVDV;
• Requiring the herd's BVD status to be declared before sale; and,
• Restrictions on untested herds/animals

Further information on these control measures from the Scot Gov website

Anyone with any concerns should not hesitate to contact the BVD helpline help@scoteid.com / 0300 244 9823 (open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).

Over 90 per cent of farmers have tested for BVD in the first year of mandatory testing, which is an excellent result and tremendous progress in the on-going fight against BVD.
Reminder letters have been sent by Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) to farmers who have yet to test:

• For those who have tested, please do not to worry, contact AHVLA (01292 291350) to inform that you have complied with the order and contact your testing laboratory to ensure your details have been recorded correctly on the BVD database.
• For those who have not tested, again do not worry, please get in touch with your vet to make the necessary arrangements as soon as you can. If you do not require testing (e.g. a non-breeding herd) then please contact AHVLA (01292 291350) so your details may be updated accordingly.

For advice/guidance contact the BVD helpline help@scoteid.com / 0300 244 9823. The lines are open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

The BVD status for an individual animal or holding can now be looked up on the ScotEID website. Users who have not registered with the ScotEID website will only be able to view the status of holdings/animals whilst registered users will be able to view more detailed BVD results for their registered holdings.
Further BVD information
BVD status lookup

ScotEID held an international conference on the practical use of UHF for cattle tag identification at Auchmore farm, Muir of Ord and at Dingwall market. The conference attracted speakers and visitors from around the world. A report on the conference and speakers is available on the link below. Papers presented at the conference will be e-mailed on request to help@scoteid.com.

Download the report

WYSIWYG EID for cattle: a ScotEID proposal
Strathcylyde University report on UHF transponders (security etc.)

Demonstration to the cattle industry working group of cattle tagged with combination LF/UHF tags being read at Dingwall auction mart