Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Ensure progress and devolved alignment of the multi-species livestock tracing system
Conclusion
The Department’s progress delivering a multi-species livestock tracing system has been extremely slow and may not provide an integrated system for the UK. Tracing animal movements quickly—to understand where disease may have spread—is key in responding effectively to contain an outbreak. Current UK animal tracing is fragmented, with different systems for different species, and relies on very old and fragile systems. The Department first started work to create a digital, multi-species, UK-wide tracing system in 2013. The original concept of using an off-the-shelf solution for a single species and adapting that 4 for multiple species was flawed, and the plans needed to be reset. Despite spending £181 million from 2019 to March 2025, the Department does not expect to have an integrated system completed until winter 2027. Animal diseases do not respect national borders, but the Department could not confirm to us if its new system would be fully integrated across the devolved administrations. recommendation The Department should ensure that progress against its revised timetable is maintained, and that its approach to developing its multi- species livestock tracing system is fully aligned across all devolved administrations.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, committing to introduce changes to cattle identification from summer 2026, including mandatory Electronic Identification (EID) for new-born calves from 2027, and expanding coverage to other species from 2027. It also states that the Livestock Information Transformation Programme is working with devolved governments for an aligned approach.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. according to the revised timetable. From summer 2026, the department will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting that will improve the government’s ability to respond effectively to disease. These changes will also simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade. New requirements will see Electronic Identification (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with EID ear tags can be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number. Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy. This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which will be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike. From 2027 onwards there will be expansion to cover additional species: sheep, goats, deer and pigs. Animal ID and traceability policy is devolved. The Livestock Information Transformation Programme (LITP) is working closely with devolved governments to work towards an aligned approach to livestock traceability across the UK, so that systems and processes are compatible.