The National Beef Association has published a simple guide for live cattle exports
20/06/05

It is designed to assist breeders and agents who want to sell cattle to customers in both other EU countries, and to those outside the EU, as soon as the current ban is lifted.

"Current indications are that this may be before the end of the year and because it is fifteen years since the last cattle were exported even experienced professionals will need their memories refreshing," explained NBA policy adviser, Kim Haywood.

The four page document lists both EU and UK live cattle trading guidelines and provides website links so that more detailed checks can be made against EU directives and UK government information.

"The important thing is that there are only two types of export certificate available. One is for breeding cattle and the other for cattle for further production or slaughter. The exhibition-only category has been withdrawn, said Ms Haywood.

"It is also clear that if cattle are sold into countries outside the EU the individual import requirements of each country will have to be identified and each condition demanded on the export certificate must be met."

"The checklist for sales to other EU countries includes directions on how to apply for a health certificate and find details of each member state's health restrictions."

Among the many conditions is a requirement that exported animals must have been resident on the holding of origin for at least 30 days before shipment and that they have been subject to an official identity check and health inspection 24 hours before departure.

"Pre-export TB tests are needed 30 days before loading for all cattle over six weeks old but within GB no tests for brucellosis or EBL will be asked for - although a brucellosis test is required for cattle from Northern Ireland, "said Ms Haywood.

"And we have listed information on IBR which includes those EU countries that demand guarantees that imported cattle are from a herd that is not only free of IBR but have never been vaccinated against it and also require that animals have been isolated for 30 days before export and have tested IBR free."

"We think exporters should plan ahead so they can react as soon as the green light is given and have suggested that breed societies catalogue available bulls and females so their details can be circulated to potential purchasers ahead of the ban being lifted."

"Our guide will also be useful to agents looking to establish markets for non-breeding store cattle and other types of cattle in other EU countries," Ms Haywood added.