ARCHIVE: Livestock movements, identification and tracing: pigs - identification

Identifying Pigs

The current PRIMO rules came into effect on the 6th April 2007, to improve the identification of pigs over 12 months of age, as well as pigs moving to markets and slaughterhouses.

The rules are as follows:

All pigs over 12 months of age need to be identified using a Defra herdmark from every holding the depart.
The permanent identification of all pigs prior to movement to market, regardless of age and whether moved to slaughter or another holding. Identification can be by either an eartag or a tattoo containing the Defra herdmark or a slapmark. A slapmark must be legible on each shoulder area of the pig.
Pigs going to slaughter, must use an eartag capable of surviving the processing of the carcase following slaughter. If you are in any doubt about this you will need to check with your eartag supplier regarding your eartag specifications. .
Movements between holdings in the case of pigs under 1 year, may continue using a temporary paint mark which must last at least until a pig reaches it’s destination.
When ordering Slapmarking equipment it is important that manufacturers are supplied with the correct herdmark details when ordering.

Slapmarking manufacturers

Eartags

Sufficiently heat resistant that neither the eartag nor the information printed or stamped on it can be damaged by the processing of the carcase following slaughter.
Contains the letters the letters “UK” followed by your herdmark for example UK AB 1234
Easy to read during the pigs lifetime
Tags must be made of metal or plastic or a combination of metal and plastic
Tamper-resistant
Incapable of re-use
Of a design that will remain attached to the pig with out harming it
Tags used for movements between holdings can be plastic

Tattoos

A tattoo of your herdmark on the ear
For example AB 1234
UK not needed
Must be legible for the life of the pig

Slapmarks

A tattoo of the herdmark which is applied on each front shoulder area of the pig
Legible for the life of the pig and throughout the processing of its carcase
For example AB 1234
UK not needed

Temporary Mark

Paintmark on the pig, for example, a red line, black cross or blue circle
Must last until the pig reaches its destination
Combined with the movement document the temporary mark identifies the holding from which the pig moved

Identification of Pigs under 12 months old

Moves between holdings, can be on a temporary paintmark
Moves to slaughter or to any type of market with an eartag, tattoo or double slapmarks

Identification of Pigs over 12 months old

Move between holdings to slaughter and to any type of market with an eartag, tattoo or double slapmarks bearing your defra herdmark

Pet Pig Walking Licences

Licences can be issue to take pet pigs for walks
For a licence you will need to contact your Local Animal Health Office (AHO)

Your route will need to be approved - If the Veterinary officer at the AHO believes there is a risk with your route it will not be approved.
Routes may not be approved due to proximity to a livestock market, high health status pig farms or fast food outlets etc.
If it is approved, you are issued with a licence that needs to be reviewed annually

Livestock movements

Pigs