Business information

Movement of Livestock

In the event of a disease outbreak the precise location of all livestock is essential for effective measures to control and eradicate highly contagious viruses. To try and stop the spread of disease there are strict rules controlling the identification and movements of livestock. These rules apply to you even if you only keep one animal of the species covered.

The rules were introduced on 1 August 2003. Most movements are now covered by a "general licence". This is a general permission to allow most movements of livestock. There are also rules on the transportation of livestock.

Documentation must accompany all movements of livestock

Cattle:

Movements of cattle must be accompanied by their British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) passport. In addition on journeys over 8 hours between member states or between EU member states and Third Countries a Journey Log; on all other journeys an Animal Transport Certificate (ATC) – except farmers transporting their own animals in their own means of transport on journeys up to 50km from their holding, or as part of seasonal transhumance.

Pigs:

All movements of pigs must be accompanied by a Form AML 2. This combines a movement document with the Animal Transport certificate. Owners of Pet Pigs should apply to Animal Health at Chelmsford for an individual licence.

Sheep and Goats:

All movements of sheep and goats must be accompanied by Form AML1. This combines a movement document with the Animal Transit certificate.

Further supplies of forms AML1 and AML2 are available from Trading Standards Offices.

Local Authorities to be sent Notification of Movements as follows:

Cattle:

The BCMS must be informed of all cattle movements within 3 days.

Pigs:

It is the responsibility of the destination keeper to notify Local Authorities within 3 days of the movement being completed (white copy of form to be sent or faxed) All movements including those within pyramids and to slaughter must be notified.

Sheep, Goats and Deer:

It is the responsibility of the destination keeper to notify Local Authorities within 3 days of the movement being completed (white copy of form to be sent or faxed).

Standstill periods

Any movement of livestock on to a farm will invoke a 6-day standstill in the case of sheep, goats, cattle & deer, and a 20-day standstill in case of pigs, on any further movements off that premise. Movement direct to slaughter are not caught by the standstill.

The Adobe PDF below is a guide to the standstill rule in chart form.

Movement Records

All livestock keepers are required to keep on farm records of all livestock movements, both on and off the holding. Hertfordshire issue (free of charge) movement books to any keeper based in the county. If you require a movement book please contact Trading Standards. Movement records may also be recorded on computers and other record books, provided that the statutory information is recorded.

Guidance

For further information on the movement of livestock, movement license forms and the exemptions to the standstill, please contact Hertfordshire Trading Standards.
Tel: 01727 813849
Fax: 01727 813877

Trading Standards
45 Grosvenor Road
St Albans
Herts
AL1 3AW

Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00

Alternatively further guidance and advice can be found by following the external signpost to "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs" and then choosing "animal health & welfare".