National Goat Identification System (NGIS)
The EU-wide system for the identification and registration of ovine (sheep) and caprine (goats) animals are set down under Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 of 17 December 2003 (as amended). These rules are implemented in respect of goats in Ireland under the National Goat Identification System (NGIS). The system is based on:
- Double tagging of all goats by the age of six months or on movement from the holding, whichever comes first;
- Use of herd registers to record details of numbers of goats on the holding and details of movements;
- Use of dispatch documents to record movements.
Any person who holds or keeps goats in the State must apply for registration of the holding to the local District Veterinary Office of the Department for the area in which the holding is situated.
Click here for information on:
- Goat Herd Register
- Goat Dispatch Documents
- Goat Identification and Tagging Requirements
- Approved Tag Suppliers for the National Sheep and Goat Identification Systems (NSIS and NGIS) (pdf 81Kb)
NEW TAG NUMBERING FOR GOATS FROM 13 MAY 2010
In order to comply with the provisions of EU Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 of 17 December 2003 as amended it is necessary for Ireland to make some changes to the National Goat Identification System (NGIS). These changes are to facilitate the introduction of Electronic Identification (EID) for sheep and goats across the EU. They entail moving to a new tag numbering system for goats from 13 May 2010 and the allocation of new designators to all goat herd owners also from that date.
Under EU rules EID of goats became mandatory for goats born after 31 December 2009 except in Member States where the goat population is less than 160,000. As the goat population in Ireland in less than 160,000 it has been decided that Electronic Identification (EID) for goats will be optional except in the case of goats engaged in live export trade.
Click here for further details of the New tag numbering system and changes to the NGIS(doc 43Kb)
For further information on any aspect of NGIS contact the Sheep and Goat ID and Movement Section, Animal Health and Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Helpline: 1890 252 713 or Tel: 01 6072901 or your Local District Veterinary Office.
