These rules control the movements of livestock to help prevent spread of animal disease. Most movement are now covered by what is called a "general licence". This is a general permission to allow most movements of livestock. There are also rules on the transportation of livestock.

Documentation must accompany all movements of livestock

Cattle
British cattle movement scheme (BCMS) passport and an Animal Transport Certificate (with limited exemption).

Pigs
AML2 Form (a combination of movement document with animal transport certificate).
Owners of pet pigs should apply to The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or Trading Standards for an individual licence

Sheep & Goats
AML1 Form (a combination of movement document with animal transport certificate).
Further supplies AML1 & 2 forms and blank Animal Transport Certificates are available from Trading Standards Offices.

Local authorities to be sent notification of movements as follows:-

Pigs
It is the responsibility of the destination keeper to notify Local authorities within 3 days of the movement being completed (white copy of form to be sent or faxed). All movements including those within pyramids and to slaughter must be notified.

Sheep & Goats
It is the responsibility of the destination keeper to notify Local authorities within 3 days of the movement being completed (white copy of form to be sent or faxed)
 
Exports of sheep, goats & pigs
It is the responsibility of the departure premises to notify Local authorities within 3 days of the move being completed.

Cattle
The BCMS must be informed of cattle movements within 3 days.

Stand Still Period
Any movement of pigs on to a farm will invoke a 6-day standstill in the case of cattle, sheep and goats, and a 20-day standstill in case of pigs, on any further movements off that premises.
Any movement of cattle, sheep and goats on to a farm will invoke a 6-day standstill in the case of sheep cattle and pigs, on any further movements off that premises.

Movement direct to slaughter or to a slaughter only (red) market are not caught by the standstill

For further information on the movement of livestock, movement licence forms and exemptions to standstill, please use the links at the right-hand side of this page