Sheep and goats
If you intend to keep sheep or goats, you must:
- register with your local Rural Payment and Inspections Directorate (RPID) office, which will allocate a County Parish Holding (CPH) number if you have not already got one
- inform your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who will provide you with a herd mark for your holding. This herd mark will enable you to buy ear tags
Identification and traceability
Identification and traceability are a vital part of animal disease control in Scotland. In the event of a disease outbreak, it is important that all animals can be identified and movements traced quickly and efficiently to prevent the spread of the disease.
Read the guidance on sheep and goat traceability
Movements of sheep
All movements for sheep and goats (except for emergency veterinary treatment) must be accompanied by a movement document. A copy of the movement document must be retained at the holdings of departure and destination for 3 years. The information relating to the movement must also be notified to the Scottish Animal Movement Unit (SAMU) within 3 days of the movement.