Strict rules govern how cattle are identified and tracked to protect public health and limit the spread of disease.
All animals must carry official ear tags and have a fully traceable history.
Farmers are required to record every movement on ScotEID, the national database used to monitor livestock.
Authorities rely on the system to trace animals quickly in the event of an outbreak.
Calves must be tagged within set deadlines, with tighter rules for dairy cattle than beef.
All livestock holdings must be registered, and every sale, transfer or slaughter reported.
Inspectors check records against ScotEID and carry out on‑farm inspections to ensure the rules are being followed.
Animals that cannot be properly identified or traced are classed as non‑compliant.
They cannot enter the food chain and are typically placed under strict movement restrictions, preventing them from being sold or moved.
In the most serious cases, keepers may have to slaughter animals that do not meet the legal requirements.
