SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – SHEEP

Identification
All sheep must be identified individually with appropriate ear tags issued in accordance with the requirements of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS).

Movement Documentation
All consignments of sheep being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document.  Individual details of each sheep in the consignment must be recorded on the document.  Sheep from non-restricted flocks only can be moved to shows.  In the case of flocks restricted following diagnosis of scrapie, sheep possessing the ARR/ARR genotype only may be exhibited.  The movement of these ARR/ARR genotype sheep must be accompanied by the relevant movement permit (SCR/10), which can be obtained from the Regional Veterinary Office responsible for the county in which the flock is located

AIM Notification
The movement of sheep to and from an Agricultural Show within the State must be recorded on AIM.  This is done using a copy of the owner’s sheep dispatch document as follows:

1. The owner/keeper presents the signed and completed dispatch document to the show secretary who checks it to ensure that it is completed in full.
2. The show secretary fills in the MART section of the dispatch document with (i) the show number, (ii) the date of the move back to the source holding (iii) stamps it with the show stamp and (iv) signs the dispatch document.
3. The show secretary then forwards the completed pink section of the dispatch document to the local RVO within 7 days of the show movement.
4. The show secretary keeps white copy for his/her records.
5. The source/destination keeper keeps the bottom yellow copy to enter it into their flock register.

Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the Show Secretary. 

Flock Register
All movements of sheep to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s flock register.

Movement to Northern Ireland
All sheep must be accompanied by an intra trade animal health certificate (ITAHC) for ovine animals.  A TRACES message, corresponding with the ITAHC, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by Department officials from the RVO).  Exhibitors are advised to contact the show society in Northern Ireland well in advance of any show to determine the suitability of the show for return of animals (e.g., premises and sheep status), and whether the authorities will have officials and veterinary staff present to supervise and process documentation for animals returning to origin.

Agreement for the movement and immediate return of sheep to a Show in another country or vice versa currently applies for movements between Ireland and Northern Ireland only – it does not apply for movements to Great Britain or further afield.  Movements to shows other than Northern Ireland will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and you should contact your local Regional Veterinary Office at least one month prior to the Show.

Attendance of sheep from scrapie monitored flocks at shows and sales in 2023
 

Shows between 1^st May and 31^st October
Sheep from Scrapie Monitored Flocks will be permitted to attend Agricultural Shows taking place between 1^st May and 31^st October, without restriction or separation from other categories of sheep.

Shows outside of the 1^st May and 31^st October Period
For shows taking place before 1^st May or after 31^st October, sheep from Scrapie Monitored or Probationary Flocks must be separated from other sheep as set down below.

1. 1. There must be complete separation of Monitored/Probationary sheep from other categories of sheep at the show. Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the two groups and separate sale rings for each of the two groups.
   2. In locations where all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and also of penning areas.  The two penning areas should be separated by a sheep-free alleyway by at least 12 feet wide.  If only one show ring is available, the sheep from the scrapie-monitored flocks must be shown first.

Sales between 1^st May and 31^st October
Sheep from Scrapie Monitored Flocks will be permitted to attend sales taking place between 1^st May and 31^st October, without restriction or separation from other categories of sheep.

Sales outside of the 1^st May and 31^st October Period
For sales taking place before 1^st May or after 31^st October, sheep from Scrapie Monitored or Probationary Flocks must be separated from other sheep as set down below.

1. There must be complete separation of the two categories of sheep at the sale (monitored animals including probationary monitored animals and non-monitored animals).  Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the three groups and separate sale rings for each of the three groups.
2. In locations where all of the above may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and of penning areas also.  A sheep-free alleyway should separate the two penning areas by at least 12 feet wide.
3. If only one sale ring is available, the procedures set out in the following two options must be adhered to.
   1. The sheep from the Scrapie monitored flocks must be offered for sale first, followed by non-monitored animals or
   2. The ring can be divided by gates into two sections to ensure that each of the two categories of animals is confined to a unique part of the sales ring.