Defra denies farmers’ claims over sheep-tag technology

Claims that poor-quality ear tags are causing problems for farmers using the new system of electronic sheep tagging have been dismissed by Defra.

Andy Klom, Head of the European Commission Office in Wales, said the EC acknowledged that the reading technology may still not always function properly in the UK.

But a Defra spokesman said: 'We have assured the commission, the UK will continue to only approve electronic identifiers to standards higher than the EC requires'.

The assurances followed a complaint by the Farmers’ Union of Wales over implications by the EC that the problems with sheep EID are caused by the use of sub-standard ear tags in the UK.

ESO: Background information: EID legislation remains in place http://www.europeansources.info/record/eid-legislation-remains-in-place/

UK: DEFRA: Food and Farming > Farm animals > Livestock identification and movements > Sheep identification and movement http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/movements/sheep/

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