Rural Payments and Services

A new online system is making it simpler and easier to trace cattle movements and potentially reduce the impact of a disease outbreak.

The ScotMoves system for moving cattle within a business replaced the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) Links system on 1 January 2017 with 2,018 farmers and crofters now registered to use the system on 4,298 additional holdings.

The system enables farmers and crofters to notify internal movements of cattle within their business to a central online holding register – a tool unavailable under the previous CTS links system – making it easier to trace cattle in the case of an emergency or disease outbreak.

Commenting on the successful launch of the system, Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “I am delighted that the new ScotMoves system is working well and has been well received by farmers and crofters, with a number commenting on how simple and easy it is to use.

“The system is designed to help industry protect against the unthinkable prospect of disease. By enabling us to have quick access to high quality and accurate information, we are better placed to deploy our resources effectively to better protect Scotland’s livestock from disease.

“My thanks goes to all the staff at ScotEID who worked tirelessly over the New Year period, dealing with an increased volume of calls on a variety of issues, such as requesting application forms, allocating the IDs of cattle to additional holdings, and asking for advice all of which enabled a smooth transition.

“I would also encourage any farmers or crofters not yet registered to use ScotMoves to do so as soon as possible.”