Cattle Identification and Traceability is a vital part of disease control. In the event of a disease outbreak, it is important that movements can be traced easily from birth to 
death.
To ensure this level of traceability is achieved, all cattle are required to be correctly identified and issued with a corresponding passport in accordance with current legislation which is set by the European Commission.
The following pages provide information on the requirements for tagging, recording and moving cattle.
A new version of the Cattle Keepers Handbook (PDF - 1MB) is now available on the RPA website ( www.rpa.gov.uk), and replaces the one issued to all keepers in 2005. This provides an easy reference to details on cattle identification and traceability, and includes changes due to be made to the rules which should come into force on 6 April 2007
A quick reference guide to the tagging and tracing of cattle is also available.