Sheep

Identification
All sheep must be identified individually with appropriate ear tags issued per the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS) requirements.
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. Only sheep possessing the ARR/ARR genotype may be exhibited in the case of restricted flocks following the scrapie diagnosis. The movement of these ARR/ARR genotype sheep must be accompanied by the relevant movement permit (SCR/10), which can be obtained from the local District Veterinary Office in the county where 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 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 it, (iii) stamps it with the show stamp, & (iv) signs the dispatch document.

3. The show secretary then forwards the completed pink section of the dispatch document to the local DVO within 7 days of the show movement.

4. The show secretary keeps a white copy for his/her records.

5. The source/destination keeper keeps the bottom yellow copy to enter it into their flock register.The ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the show secretary.

Flock Register
All movements of sheep to & from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s flock register.
Exports to Northern Ireland
All sheep must be accompanied by a TRACES intra-community trade certificate for ovine animals. A TRACES message, corresponding with the TRACES certificate, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by Department officials of the DVO). 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 the return of animals (e.g., premises & sheep status) & whether the authorities will have officials & veterinary staff present to supervise & process documentation for animals returning to origin.

Horses

Irish Shows Association Affiliated Show Equine Safety Rules & Guidance

 Equines & competing with them is a dangerous sport & therefore you enter this Show at your own risk.

1. Please note if you are affiliated to an equine society, these rules should be read in-conjunction with their own rules & regulations. The Show Society does not accept responsibility from those equine societies that transfers their health & safety obligations to us.

2. As an overriding requirement as prescribed in the Health & Safety at Work Act 2005, it is your responsibility to take reasonable care for the health & safety of yourself.

3. If you have recently been involved in an accident, please ensure your General Practitioner or other Medical Expert, has given you approval to compete.

4. It is your responsibility to report any accidents to the Secretary’s Office if possible immediately, or at the latest within 7 days of the incident, to enable the Society to complete the relevant Accident Form.

5. Always walk the course to ensure that your equines would be safe and that obstacles [intended or not] shall not cause the equine to spook and cause harm to others. 6. Always wear a correctly-fitted riding hat when mounted, which has been manufactured to the current approved standard [e.g. PAS 015/BS EN 1384/ BSI Kitemark]. It shall be securely fastened at all times. Make sure it is in good condition and, if you fall on it, have it replaced immediately.

7. We advise you whenever possible, that safety riding hats should also be worn by all equine controllers such as grooms, when dismounted on the ground & competing in an “in hand” class.

8. Never ride an equine without a saddle & bridle which has been securely fitted.

9. Galloping & cantering is not permitted anywhere other than in the Show or Collecting Rings [when safe to do so] and any other designated practice area.

10. Please be aware of uneven ground [including holes] & wet weather, as they may cause your equine to slip and fall.

11. When mounted, always wear sensible footwear with a solid heel - never wear Wellingtons or trainers.

12. Always check your tack before you set off to make sure that nothing is broken, & that stitching is in good order, especially on stirrup leathers and girths. Make sure the stirrup iron is large enough to fit your foot/boot.

13. Always show courtesy to other showground users - a smile or nod of thanks is all that is required as this means you do not have to take your hands off the reins.

14. Ensure you have comprehensive insurance to protect yourself & at the very least, make sure you have valid third-party public liability insurance cover to protect others, which can be obtained through a broker or specialist insurance provider such as the Irish Horse Society.

15. Always carry the name and telephone number of someone who can be contacted in the event of an emergency, as well as details about yourself and contact details for your vet.

16. At equestrian & pedestrian crossings, please comply with the Stewards instructions on when it is safe to pass.

17. Only designated equine routes [Horse Walks] can be used.

18. Please be aware that some horses may be alarmed if in the close vicinity of Donkeys or Driven Horses. Irrespective of this, please show respect to their handlers at all times.

19. When mounted on equine or carriage, riders, drivers and/or grooms in control, shall wear the allocated Competitors Number to aid identification.

20. Riding equines within any public area or vehicle park area, is prohibited, unless riding specifically to the Show Ring to compete.

21. No person can lead more than one equine at a time.

22. Wherever possible, keep your distance from all equines as they can be unpredictable & cause harm by kicking, crushing, biting etc.

23. Please remember you are responsible for all equines under your control & you have a duty of care to protect those persons within the vicinity of your activities.

24. Be aware of loud & sudden noises as these may cause your equines to “bolt”.

25. Competitors should ensure that their equines do not get loose at any time.

26. Only bona fide riders and their grooms can enter the collecting ring.

27. Use the correct “bit” appropriate to your equine to enhance control.

28. Any equine controller mistreating an animal shall be asked to leave the showground immediately & no refunds shall be made. In severe cases, we reserve the right to notify the relevant authorities.

29. Please ensure you are adequately trained to assure you are competent to handle equines.

30. Consider adverse weather conditions such as high winds which can cause your equine to veer off course.

31. If you observe any incidents that may cause an accident such as “horse play” please report it to a Steward.

32. Provide a good standard of general horse/pony handling for activities such as loading/unloading; handling in restricted areas, etc.

33. Extra care should be taken when operating near vulnerable persons e.g. elderly; children; non English Speakers; those who are disabled etc.

34. All equines [Horses, Ponies, Donkeys etc] over six months of age must be fully vaccinated against equine influenza &tetanus.

35. When reversing trailers & horse boxes, do so with great care and preferably with the aid of a second party.

36. No equine shall be left unattended [e.g. tethered to grass or horse box] other than those retained in a horse box.

37. Competitors shall not interfere with another competitor’s horse or its performance which may cause an accident or incident.

38. Unruly horses may be ordered to withdraw for the safety of all persons & no refunds shall not be given.

39. Substances should not be administered to your equines that may cause an adverse behavioural change.

40. For those competing in driving classes, you shall ensure that their carriages etc are properly maintained & fit for purpose.

41. For carriages that are moving within the public areas, they shall be escorted by a steward or other banksman to ensure the safety of others, who are wearing an appropriate high visibility vest.

42. Carriages/carts have the capability of becoming unstable & potentially turning over. Drivers & grooms shall be aware of the potential injuries that may occur in the event of an incident [harm & death].

43. Safe procedures shall be adopted when harnessing & un-harnessing equines for driving classes; or tacking up etc in the case of all other classes.

44. Please remember you or your agents may need a Vehicle Safety Certificate if transporting horses for hire or reward on journeys of over 65km or up to 8 hours; or transporting someone else’s horses for economic payment; or transporting horses as part of their business.

45. In the interest of safety, long hair shall be secured appropriately.

46. Stirrup irons and leathers should hang freely from the bar and outside the flap.

47. For your own safety, do not stand between a mare & foal, or indeed a stallion related or otherwise to those equines.

48. When preparing and grooming your equine you may well be using sharp instruments such as scissors. Please be aware that these should be used with caution.

49. Stallions are unpredictable & should only be handled by a trained adult.

50. The Show Society shall provide adequate medical services during the shows public opening times.

51. The Judges have the right to refuse entry into any class if they believe it is in the interest of safety & no refunds shall be given.

52. It is also your responsibility to consider the health & welfare of your equines which includes sufficient water & shade [also remembering not to keep dogs in vehicles that may cause them distress].

53. The Show Society & its Officers cannot be held responsible for any accidents, illnesses or incidents that may occur to you or the equines.

54. The Show Society also does not accept responsibility for any damage to property caused by your equines or the associated equipment such as carts & farm equipment.

Please make yourself aware of the Show’s Health & Safety Policy. This is available at the Secretary’s Office

Premises Registration 
As of May 1, 2012, any premises (including shows, fairs, & markets) where horses or other equines are gathered must be registered with the Department.  Owners/persons in charge of such gatherings are required to submit a completed application form for registration and to keep records of movements on/off their premises. 

Records must be retained for at least 3 years, as they may be required by the Department for the purposes of tracing disease. Records required are

• The name & address of the owner/person in charge of the premises from which the equine came

• The premises registration number from which the equine came and 

• Passport number/UELN number of the animal

It is therefore important that show organizers contact their local regional veterinary office in advance so that consideration can be given to compliance with the requirements outlined above. 

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/form/19428-application-for-registration-of-an-equine-premises-under-the-control-on-places-where-horses-are-kept-regulations-2014/.

Equine Identification
All horses (which include horses, ponies, and donkeys) must be identified in accordance with EU and national legislation. 

• It is an offence to be in possession of an equine that is not properly identified.  

• Equine passports must be issued by approved passport-issuing organizations [PIOs] not later than 12 months from the date of birth of the animal and, in any event, before the equine leaves the establishment of birth for a period exceeding 30 days, except in limited circumstances. The passport is valid for the lifetime of the animal.  A list of the PIOs approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is set out in Appendix 5.

• Microchip: all equines issued with a passport after July 1, 2009 must have a corresponding microchip implanted by a veterinarian, the details of which are recorded in the passport & in the central equine database, thereby creating a link between the passport and the animal. 

• In respect of each equine in their care, a keeper must ensure that

  • The equine is registered with an approved PIO. 

  • The animal’s passport is issued in accordance with EU & national legislation.

  • They are in compliance with the provisions of the legislation, whereby the passport issued in respect of the equine must accompany the animal whenever it is moved to events such as shows, sales, slaughter plants, etc. 

Further information is available from the Dept. of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine at Livestock Breeding, Production, and Trade Division, Farnham St., Cavan (Phone +353 49 4368200) in respect of studbook equines and from Animal Identification & Movement Division, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 X3PH (Phone +353 1 5058881) in respect of equines that do not qualify for entry into a studbook.
 

Cattle

Animal Health Status
TB (Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme) 
All animals must come from herds that are officially TB-free (OTF, i.e., not restricted), & the herd and relevant animals must have had a clear test within the previous 12 months; this test must be recorded on the Department’s Animal Health Computer System (AHCS).  In general, apart from cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months (see next paragraph), no pre-movement test is required for TB.  However, it is recommended by the Department that a 30-day pre-movement test for TB should apply to all Shows.  Animals which have disclosed inconclusive reactor results are not permitted to be moved for the purpose of exhibition at shows.  

From February 1, 2023, cows of all ages & males over the age of 36 months that move from a show to a different herd must either have been tested in the previous 30 days or the animal and the herd presenting it to the show must have been tested in the previous six months prior to movement.  If a cow of any age, or a male over the age of 36 months, moves from a show to a different herd and does not meet the above criteria, then a TB test must be carried out on the animal concerned within 30 days of its movement into the new herd.  If, after 30 days, the animal has not been tested, the herd into which it has moved will be restricted, and if, after another 60 days, the animal has still not been tested, then the entire herd will be listed for a TB test.  For further information, see new bovine TB testing requirements for animal movements on www.bovinetb.ie 

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) 
All bovine animals must have a negative BVD status for BVD virus (not antibody) when moving, including to shows, within the state.  Animals entering the state, including Northern Ireland, must have a valid E.U. Health Certificate.

Identification, Registration, & movement inspections 
The restriction of a holding for noncompliance with IDR-related issues will also impact movement of bovine to a show for the period of the restriction.           

Bovine Identification & Mandatory Electronic Identification of bovines (EID)
Mandatory electronic identification (EID) of bovines has been implemented with effect from July 1, 2022.  This means that all bovine animals born on or after July 1, 2022, must be identified with 2 official flag tags, one of which contains an EID component. All bovines born prior to July 1, 2022, must continue to bear 2 official flag tags as heretofore.  There is no mandatory requirement that bovines in this age category bear an official EID tag.  

Passports 
All bovines attending shows must be accompanied by their passports.

Animal Identification & Movement (AIM) Notification

1. The movement of cattle to and from an Agricultural show or fair within the State must be recorded on the AIM System. 
2. With effect from February 4, 2019, there are specific Certificates of Compliance for the “Movement of Bovine from a Single Holding to a Show”, as NBAS 31K refers. 
3. The herd keeper must obtain the Certificate of Compliance prior to the movement of animals.  The certificate can be created by (i) using herd keepers’ on-line facilities, or (ii) where the keeper is not online, the certificate can be generated by the local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) following receipt of a completed form, NBAS 31K. 
4. The creation of a certificate is subject to normal movement criteria, such as clear TB test, etc.  
5. A copy of form NBAS 31K is included at Appendix 2 and will also be available on www.gov.ie.
6. When applying for this certificate, the Show/Fair number is not required. The certificate generated will include an “S” symbol.
7. The Certificate of Compliance for a show will continue to be valid for a period of up to 30 days.  As is currently the case, these can be used for the movement of animals to several shows during the validity period of the certificate.  Requests to the RVO should be provided with sufficient time to allow for the certificate to be generated & issued, especially where one cert expires & another is required immediately.  Keepers who are likely to attend at consecutive shows are strongly advised to apply using herd keepers’ on-line facility.  The ability to create & print a certificate immediately (subject to the bovine meeting the relevant criteria) will remove issues that can arise where a certificate is already in place and a further certificate is required. 
8. Calves which are less than 10 days old cannot be moved to a Show.
9. The movement notification section of the certificate should be completed & signed by the keeper.  The form should also be signed and stamped by the Show secretary, who must clearly indicate the Show Number.  The Show movement must be recorded on the passport.  ultimate responsibility for fulfilling these requirements lies with the Show Secretary.
10. If the animal(s) move from the show to a herd other than the source herd, the new destination herd must also sign the certificate.
11. Completed forms must be sent by the Show Secretary to the local RVO within seven days of the Show. Failure to have movements recorded within the required time scale may have implications for the herdkeeper(s) involved.

Cattle being Moved from Northern Ireland for an Agricultural Show  

Movements from Northern Ireland (NI)
It is very important that any proposal to move cattle to a show, including from NI, is made known to the local RVO well in advance so that consideration can be given to compliance with the requirements outlined below.

Premises
The show premises at which the cattle will reside for the duration of their stay must be an assembly centre approved for intra-trade (movements to other Member States) or of such a standard as being capable of being approved for such a purpose temporarily.  A fundamental requirement for such premises is that they have surfaces that are capable of being cleaned & disinfected and have adequate cleaning and disinfection facilities.  Adequate segregation facilities may be required also (see under “Status of Animals” below).

Status of Bovine Animals moved from Northern Ireland for a Show 
Cattle from NI being moved to a show must be certified in accordance with the normal animal health requirements for intra-community trade in breeding animals, including having passed a TB test (intra-trade interpretation) during the 30 days prior to movement.  

To comply with eligibility requirements for returning to Northern Ireland after the show 
Cattle cannot mix with any cattle of a lesser health status while at the show. 
This can be achieved in one of two ways: 

1. either the moved animals are kept segregated fully from other cattle at the show which have not been tested, or 
2. all cattle attending the show must have been TB tested (intra-trade interpretation) within 30 days. 

Documentation Required 

1. Cattle moved to a show from NI must be accompanied by an original breeding Intra-Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) and a passport for each animal.
2.  A TRACES message, corresponding with the TRACES certificate, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be performed by officials in the dispatching country). 
3. For the return journey, this original certificate must be endorsed by the signature of the official veterinarian of the department at the show, together with the official stamp of the competent authority & date of endorsement. 
4. A TRACES message will be sent for the return journey as well (this will be performed by Department officials attending the show).
5. In addition, a non-comminglement certificate must be issued by the official veterinarian for the show at or before return, stating that the animal shows no clinical signs of disease and has not been in contact, during its stay at the show/event, with animals of a lesser health status.  The passport must accompany the animal on the return journey as well.
6. CMMS 5: In such cases and in addition to the above, the keeper of the animals, in conjunction with the Show Secretary, must also ensure that a CMMS 5 document is completed and returned to the Animal Identification and Movement Division, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co Kildare, W23 X3PH, detailing those animals moved to take part in the Show.  The keeper of the moved animal(s) is required to sign the form when the animal arrives at the show & provide their herd number.  Following the show, the official veterinarian should complete the bottom portion of the CMMS 5 form, also confirming that he has stamped the official Health Certificate & that he has issued a Non-Comminglement Certificate. 
7. A copy of the CMMS 5 form is attached at Appendix 2 and will also be available on the Departments website/from the local RVO.
8. The secretary/keeper should retain a photocopy of the form if required. 

Requirements in Respect of Cattle: 

A.    Moved to Northern Ireland for an Agricultural Show (& returned) &

B.    Consideration regarding movement of cattle to an agricultural show within the EU other than NI  

A.    Movement to Northern Ireland 
1.    Cattle moving from Ireland to a Show in NI must be recorded on the Departments AIM database. 
2.    When the ITAHC is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the outward movement for the animal(s) recorded onto AIM.  All cattle must be accompanied by an official TRACES ITAHC for bovine animals (BOV-X). 
3.    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 in the RVO).

Cattle for Breeding & Production
Valid identity card/passport: all animals
Negative TB test (intra-trade interpretation): all animals aged over 42 days within 30 days prior to movement
    
1.    Regarding BVD, keepers will need to satisfy the RVO that 
a.    the proposed show will not accept animals from herds that have contained animals Persistently Infected (P.I.) with BVD within the past 18 months.
b.    all animals at the show will come from herds where every animal has either a direct or indirect negative BVD test.
2.    An official certificate of non-comminglement should be issued by the veterinarian at the show, at or before the time of return.
3.    All animals should be isolated for at least 14 days on their return to the herd of origin.  The herd keeper should make arrangements with the RVO to have the animal(s) sampled for BVD antibody and antigens before mixing with the rest of the herd. 
4.    Keepers should be aware that if the results of these tests indicate that the animal(s) pose a risk to the National eradication programme, an epidemiological investigation may be triggered.

Note: Normal movement rules, including the 30-day residency rule, will apply.

B.    Movement of Cattle to an Agricultural Show within the EU other than to Northern Ireland 
The agreement for the movement and immediate return of cattle to a show in another country within the EU or vice versa currently applies for movements between Ireland & the UK only.  Requests for cattle from Ireland to attend shows in countries other than Ireland will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Before the movement of cattle from Ireland to a Show in parts of the EU other than to NI takes place, it is imperative to establish that the Competent Authority of the destination country has agreed to put in place the same system for the processing of the documentation as applies to movements to NI.  Therefore, exhibitors who wish to show cattle at an EU Show other than in NI should contact the local RVO at least one month prior to the show.

Where the movement of cattle from Ireland is agreed with the destination country, the movement of such cattle must be recorded on AIM.  When the official ITAHC for bovine animals is being issued by the local RVO, they will arrange to have the outward movement of the animal(s) recorded onto AIM. 

The process to be followed to ensure that a record is generated to record the return of cattle from a show to the home farm is:

•    Northern Ireland and/or 
•    A location within the EU other than to Northern Ireland where applicable/approved in line with the above (additional to those noted below may also be requested where approved).
 
Documentation required. 
Following the show, the following must be provided: 
a.    The Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) that accompanied the animal from Northern Ireland must be endorsed & stamped by the official veterinarian at the show (a new ITAHC may need to be generated to accompany the animals if they are returning to a location other than Northern Ireland) 
b.    A Non-Comminglement Certificate 
c.    CMMS 6 form: When the animal returns to the home farm, the keeper presents these Certificates to the RVO along with a completed CMMS 6 form stating that the animal has returned from the show. A copy of the CMMS 6 form is attached to Appendix 4 & will also be available on the department's website/from the local RVO. The show secretary/keeper should retain a photocopy of the form if required.  The RVO can then record the return movement back to the keeper’s holding on the AIM system.