Ovine and caprine animals: registration and identification

2002/0297(CNS)

PURPOSE: to establish the minimum level of checks to be carried out in relation to the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals.

IMPLEMENTATION ACT: Regulation (EC) No 1505/2006 of the Commission implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 as regards the minimum level of checks to be carried out in relation to the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals.

CONTENT: Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 stipulates that each Member State must establish an identification and registration system of ovine and caprine animals in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation. Consequently, this implementing Regulation establishes the minimum level of checks to be carried out by Member States to ensure the correct implementation of the requirements as regards the identification and registration of these animals, as laid down in this Regulation.

The competent authority of each Member State is responsible for carrying out checks based on risk analysis. The risk analysis must take account of all relevant factors, notably including animal health considerations.

The percentage of holdings and animals to be checked in the Member States are specified by the Regulation. These rates will be reviewed before 31 December 2009 based on the results of the checks carried out, submitted by the Member States.

As a general rule, all animals on a holding will be covered by the checks. However, for holdings with more than 20 animals, the competent authority must be authorised to restrict the controls to an appropriate representative sample of the animals.

Member States are expected to submit an annual report to the Commission outlining how the checks are being implemented.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 01/11/2006.

APPLICATION: from 01/01/2007.