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Stay compliant with the latest regulations using Shearwell ear tags

New cattle identification and disease control requirements are being introduced across the UK. Whether you're tissue sampling for BVD or preparing for DNA genotyping, Shearwell's range of Tissue Sampling Tags (TST) and DNA ear tags make compliance simple, accurate and efficient.

BVD TST Tags
Find out more about BVD regulations in your region
England
BVD testing is currently voluntary

There is currently no legal requirement for mandatory BVD testing through tissue-sampling ear tags in England. Although BVD control is voluntary, many farmers participate through herd health plans, veterinary advice, assurance schemes, or purely for their own peace of mind.

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Wales
Easy BVD compliance with Shearwell TST tags

From 1 July 2026, herds with a Not Negative BVD status are subject to movement restrictions, and cattle require a valid negative pre-movement test. Where calf testing is required, Shearwell TST tags provide a quick and reliable way to identify and sample animals, helping you stay compliant while protecting the health and productivity of your herd.

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Scotland
BVD testing made simple with Shearwell TST tags

From 1 February 2026, calves born to 'Trojan cows*' must be tested for the BVD virus within 40 days of birth. Shearwell Tissue Sampling (TST) tags provide the simplest and most cost-effective way to test young calves, helping you identify persistently infected (PI) animals early, protect your herd and comply with Scotland's Phase 6 BVD regulations.

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* Trojan cow further details: A Trojan cow is a cow that is not persistently infected (PI) with BVD herself but is carrying a PI calf.

This happens when:
  • A pregnant cow becomes infected with BVD during the early stages of pregnancy (typically between about 30 and 120 days of gestation), or
  • A pregnant cow carrying a PI calf is bought into the herd.
The cow often appears perfectly healthy and may even test BVD negative, but the unborn calf has become persistently infected (PI). Once born, that calf can shed huge amounts of BVD virus throughout its life, posing a significant risk to the rest of the herd. The Scottish Phase 6 rules specifically target these calves because they're a major route by which BVD can spread into otherwise disease-free herds.


Northern Ireland
Get ready for the NI Bovine Genetics Project

Shearwell Data is an approved tag supplier for the NI Bovine Genetics Project.

Genotyping with a DNA tag for the existing breeding herd begins September 2026.

Genotyping with a BVD tag and DNA tag for calves begins January 2027.

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Joseph Walls is the sole distributor of Shearwell tags in Northern Ireland.
For more information contact [email protected]. Tel: 028 4063 0489

Learn more about the genotyping scheme at www.srgni.com

Registering for the scheme? Visit www.srgni.com and select Shearwell Data / Joseph Walls Ltd as your tag supplier.
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