Registering your animals
To help control disease, people keeping cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, even if they are just as pets, are required to be registered within 30 days with the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate.
Changes in details must also be reported.
All commercial poultry keepers with 50 or more birds must also register their premises.
Preparing for a disease outbreak
If there is a disease outbreak, knowing exactly where livestock are is essential. This helps us act quickly to control and stop the spread of serious diseases.
Keep accurate records
Everyone who moves or keeps livestock must keep up-to-date records. This includes:
- farmers and crofters
- auctioneers
- hauliers
- anyone else involved in livestock transport
These records help trace animal and vehicle movements during an outbreak.
We carry out routine checks to make sure records are accurate and complete.