The Cattle Tracing System (CTS) was introduced on 28th September 1998 and is run by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). This was in the response to EU Legislation which required all member states to introduce a computerised tracing system before the end of 1999. This system allows the government to record data relating to cattle in order that animals can be traced for a number of reasons including disease control.
There are four parts that make up the Cattle Tracing System (CTS)
Cattle Tagging
Cattle Registration (cattle passports)
Farm Registers (including movement notifications)
National Database (CTS operated by BCMS)
CTS records the :
- Identification and death of all cattle
- Movements of cattle issued with passports from the 28th September 1998
- Movements of older cattle since 29th January 2001
CTS makes it possible for SEERAD / BCMS to :
- Check which animals are present on a holding
- Check easily where cattle have been during their lifetime
- Trace cattle more easily in the event of a disease outbreak
- Give buyers greater assurance about an animals history
- Strengthen consumer confidence in beef
Keepers are also able to check information held about their cattle on CTS through the CTS Online Website