Spain changes system for identifying and tracking livestock, pigs and poultry

The document establishes an updated system for identifying, tracking and registering cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, camels, deer, poultry, hares and fur-bearing animals, as well as bees and parrots.

As the publication writes, the adopted rules regulate various aspects, some of which are being introduced for the first time. In particular, the law establishes mandatory electronic identification for cattle and individual identification for camels, deer and parrots.

At the same time, changes were made to the form and content of identification documents. Thus, the structure of the identification code for cattle, sheep, goats and horses has changed. Now the view code will be included in the fourth and fifth positions of the last 15 digits of the code.

In addition, two types of documents are being introduced for breeding and leased horses and for registered horses. In addition to standard information, documents must also contain data on the health status of the animal, confirmed by a conclusion issued by the competent authority. The system for processing such documents has also been changed. Now the responsibility for interaction with the competent authorities lies with the associations. In this case, the organization issuing the document will have to ensure the secure transmission of information and its entry into the database, as well as delivery of the document to the animal owner.

According to the decree, after 5 years, identification documents will be used exclusively for the movement of animals outside the country within the European Union. For internal movements their presence will not be required.

Information about a change in the status of an animal (for example, in case of death) must be entered into the General Register of Individual Identification of Animals (RIIA) no later than 7 days for cattle and 3 months for sheep, goats, camels and deer.

The new rules will come into force on January 2, 2024.