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Defra simplifies livestock movement rules
sheep and lambs
Defra are making the changes to simplify the rules on reporting livestock movements and how some farms are registered.

All affected farmers will be notified

Thousands of sheep farmers in England will be contacted by Defra about new sheep movement and recording rules.


Defra says they are making the changes to simplify the rules on reporting livestock movements and how some farms are registered.

The changes include:


  • A new maximum radius for livestock holdings of 10 miles for all species (keepers with more than one holding within a 10-mile radius may apply to merge them into one)
  • 
A new process for the registration of temporary land use

  • The removal of all existing Cattle Tracing System (CTS) links
  • 
The removal of Sole Occupancy Authorities (SOAs)

  • The removal of all existing temporary CPH numbers

According to the National Sheep Association (NSA), Defra will send some 30,000 affected farmers a letter within the next 12 months informing them of the changes.


While these farmers do not need to do anything until they receive that letter, the NSA urge them to start thinking about their options now.

For a full summary of changes happening to the rules for reporting and recording animal movements, please visit www.gov.uk.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'