Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
340 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to a person who wishes to apply for a herd number; the criteria which must be fulfilled and the procedures which must be followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29749/04]
View answerThe herd number system is an administrative arrangement under the bovine disease eradication schemes. A herd number is issued to the keeper of bovine animals, being a person, for the purposes of and solely in the interests of disease control for bovine animals. The same system, however, is used to identify applicants for various schemes operated by my Department. I emphasise that a herd number does not confer ownership of animals or lands tested under a herd number on any particular person acting as the keeper.
The main criteria taken into account in the allocation of a herd number are the herd is managed at all times as a separate unit without intermixing with other herds, for example, separate farm equipment, housing and fodder; adequate handling facilities are available to enable satisfactory testing to be carried out on each holding; and the herd has a distinct owner-manager, known as keeper, who can be legally responsible for breaches of the animal health regulations.
The general details in regard to applying for a herd number are outlined in the application form ER1, a copy of which I am arranging to send to the Deputy. Applications for a herd number must be submitted to the applicant's local district veterinary office. The local DVO will advise the person wishing to apply for a herd number should further details be required.
