Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
Fully integrated multi-species livestock tracing system not expected until winter 2027 with uncertain funding
Conclusion
Between 2019 and March 2025, the Department has spent £181 million on the programme and some services have been developed including a new sheep, goat and deer tracing service.33 However, the Department does not expect to have a fully integrated system in place until winter 2027. It set out that further work is required on the sheep, goat and deer service to transfer it to the multi-species system. The cattle service will be added in 2026 and it expects the pig service to be added by winter 2027. Funding for this work is only confirmed to summer 2026 with a further business case required for funding beyond this.34
Government Response Summary
From summer 2026, the department will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting including mandatory EID for all new-born calves from 2027. Expansion to cover additional species (sheep, goats, deer and pigs) will occur from 2027 onwards.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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.