ScotEID report on UHF/LF transponder performance in hybrid EID tags.
Coexistence of LF and UHF in dual tags

Technical note on the proposed updating Low Frequency (LF) Electronic IDentification (EID) by the ISO14223 standard.
ISO14223 technical note

PED is a virus that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration in pigs. A new highly pathogenic strain of the virus has spread quickly across North America and was confirmed in the Ukraine near the Polish border in December 2014. If keepers see an episode of unusual or rapidly spreading diarrhoea in pigs of any age they should contact their private vet immediately. To encourage prompt reporting test sampling kits are being distributed, free of charge to all active pig keepers in Scotland.

In response to various enquiries about cattle EID, a list of answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions is now available here. If you have any further queries please get in touch.
Cattle EID FAQ

On the 1st January 2015 sheep with old tags (born or tagged before 1st January 2010) will be subject to a new set of rules. The rules and the options for dealing with them have been detailed in this document.

There is now a facility on the BVD database which enables vets to have access to the testing results conducted by their vet practice. All that is required is for a vet to contact the BVD helpline on 0300 244 9823 and ask to be registered. Once registered vets will be able to correct data (animal IDs etc.) on the database.'

ScotEID have published their latest update on work ongoing with cattle EID. This report provides information on ‘hybrid’ tags, which combine both an LF transponder and UHF transponder to provide real flexibility to farmers, markets and abattoirs.
Cattle EID in Scotland: A research update

The ScotEID Phase 4 development plan outlines the current work of the ScotEID research and development team. The overall objective is to utilise applied research and development to explore the feasibility of a Scottish multi-species livestock relational database system capable of interfacing with other data systems to meet regulatory requirements for the UK Member States well as taking on board additional industry requirements.

In January 2014 we will enter phase 3 of the BVD eradication scheme. This will require, along with a continuation of mandatory annual screening:

• A ban on knowingly selling/moving cattle infected with BVDV;
• Requiring the herd's BVD status to be declared before sale; and,
• Restrictions on untested herds/animals

Further information on these control measures from the Scot Gov website

Over 90 per cent of farmers have tested for BVD in the first year of mandatory testing, which is an excellent result and tremendous progress in the on-going fight against BVD.
Reminder letters have been sent by Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) to farmers who have yet to test: