A new policy line about ear tags.

COMMISSION DECISION ABOUT EARTAGGING

of 22 October 2004 concerning an extension of the maximum period laid down for the application of eartags to certain bovine animals kept in nature reserves in the Netherlands

The Netherlands may extend to 12 months the maximum period for the application of eartags to calves kept in certain nature reserves provided all the conditions set out in this Decision are met.

1. The competent authority may authorise nature reserves for the purpose of this Decision if they fulfil the following conditions:
   • the nature reserve is a holding where animals are primarily kept for the purpose of nature protection and landscape conservation;
   • the nature reserve covers a territory of at least 100 ha;
   • the effective livestock density is below 0,5 animals over 12 months of age per hectare, on an annual average basis;
   • the animals are reared at liberty in a totally extensive system, with the calves staying with their mother.
2. The status of a holding as an authorised nature reserve with an extended period for tagging shall be clearly stated in the records of the computerised bovine database.
3. The competent authority shall communicate to the Commission the list of nature reserves which have been authorised according to paragraph 1.
   
   
   
   For more information: see the COMMISSION DECISION ABOUT EARTAGGING