Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Multi-species livestock tracing system programme experienced significant resets due to technical issues
Conclusion
The Department first started work to create a digital, multi-species, UK-wide tracing system in 2013 and acknowledged that it has been working on this for a long time. It explained that the original concept of using an off- the-shelf solution for a single species and adapting that for multiple species was not technically possible, and this required a significant reset of the programme around four or five years ago.32
Government Response Summary
The government will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting from summer 2026, including mandatory Electronic Identification (EID) for all new-born calves from 2027 and a new cattle movement reporting system. Expansion to cover additional species is planned from 2027 onwards.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2027 6.2 The work to develop a multi-species livestock tracing system is making progress according to the revised timetable. 6.3 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. 6.4 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. 6.5 This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which will be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike. 6.6 From 2027 onwards there will be expansion to cover additional species: sheep, goats, deer and pigs. 6.7 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.