Introduction Of New Requirements To Improve Pig Identification Rules

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This original proposal contain the following main elements:

• A new provision for holding of birth identification by tag or tattoo on all pigs before they leave that holding.
• A requirement that the temporary paintmark used for movements between holdings lasts for 21 days.
• The introduction of a mandatory slapmark using the Defra herdmark for all pigs.
• Changing to a system of all numeric herdmarks from the existing alpha-numeric codes.
• A number of other housekeeping changes such as an increase in the time records are kept for, a review of definitions and a change in responsibility of the person who is required to register pig holdings.

Following industry discussions Defra have decided to put on hold the issue of tagging but have launched a revised proposal for the other elements of PRIMO such as registration of holdings and slapmarks.

Source: Meat and Livestock Commission - 11th August 2003