It is a condition of the EC funded special beef premium that animals on which the premium is claimed must be maintained for two months from the date of lodgment of application or until inspection, whichever is later. Animals which die from natural causes or animals which are removed from herds for reasons arising from natural circumstances affecting herds within the retention period cannot be paid special beef premium. The loss or removal of such animals from herds must be notified to my Department with ten days if entitlement to full premium on the remaining animals is to be maintained.