Apply for a Flock or Herd Number

A Herd Number is allocated by the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) of DAFM, to a distinct epidemiological unit, for the purpose of administering the Bovine TB Eradication Programme under S.I. No 58 of 2015, for the purposes of registration of an establishment and operators under SI 254 of 2023 and the protection of animal health and welfare under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. A Herd Number issued by DAFM, does not infer ownership of lands or animals on any party.

The EU Animal Health Law is based on the concept of an operator. Both roles of herdowner and herd keeper come within the meaning of “operator” under the EU Animal Health Law:

i. A herd owner means an operator (Operator 1) as defined in EU Regulation 2016/429 who has a beneficial interest in a herd and is registering that interest under this application.

ii. A keeper means an operator (Operator 2) as defined in EU regulation 2016/429 who is registered as the keeper of a herd and who is, irrespective of ownership, responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of the herd.

The ER1 application form must be completed for a new Herd Number or any change to existing Herd Numbers.

Information is available if a transfer of entitlements is required.

Please note that entitlements do not automatically transfer upon a change of name on the herd number.

The application form ER1 must be returned to your Regional Veterinary Office with the relevant supplementary documentation as detailed in the information note. The Regional Veterinary Office makes an assessment before issuing a Herd number. This includes documentary checks and an evaluation of the holding, where applicable. In order to minimise disease and maximise animal health and welfare, the holding must meet the following criteria:

(a) That the herd exclusively occupies a defined holding.

(b) That there are separate entrances to the holding and that there is independent access and/or a right of way to all parcels of land.

(c) That entry points onto other adjoining holdings/lands, not part of the application, are permanently blocked.

(d) That perimeter fencing must be permanent and stock-proof to prevent direct contact between stock on contiguous or adjoining holdings.

(e) That there is suitable and adequate animal housing available for the numbers and types of livestock on the holding.

(f) That the holding must have independent and separate facilities for the purpose of marshalling, loading, unloading, inspecting, sampling, treating and testing of animals/bovines that can be carried out in a safe manner. This includes a holding pen and cattle crush with a non-slip concrete floor and restraining gate, and/or sheep/goat handling facilities. Sharing of facilities with other holdings is not permitted.

(g) All construction materials used must be suitable for cleaning and disinfection.

(h) Lighting facilities must be of a standard that always permits viewing and observation of animals.

(i) There must be a permanent water supply and appropriate feed for the category of livestock on the holding.

(j) Slurry, farmyard manure and wastewater facilities should be suitable to avoid environmental contamination.

(k) The holding must have suitable isolation facilities for sick or injured animals. These must:

• be a permanent independent structure with solid foundations.
• have non-slip concrete floors.
• have covered shelter.
• be proximal to an animal handling facility.
• have adequate separation from the rest of the herd.
• have adequate lighting.
• have dry comfortable bedding.
• have a permanent water supply.

It is not allowed to have animals under different herd numbers in the same holding or the same yard, even if, they are in different fields on the farm or different sheds in the yard.

As part of the registration, bank details will be required in order to receive DAFM payments, if applicable in the future. Forms are available here. An authorisation form to allow other nominated contact(s) to act on behalf of DAFM clients for all DAFM related queries is available here.

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Regional Veterinary Offices ( RVOs)