Camelid and cervid keepers in Northern Ireland reminded to register by 30 September deadline

Camelid and cervid keepers across Northern Ireland are being reminded that they must register their establishments with DAERA by 30 September 2026.

The requirement applies to anyone keeping camelid and cervid animals, including alpacas, llamas, deer and reindeer, whether as part of a business, a smallholding, a hobby or with only small numbers of animals. Keepers who have already registered their camelid or cervid establishment with DAERA do not need to register again.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, stated: I am urging anyone who keeps camelids or cervids and has not yet registered to take action now and complete the process ahead of the 30 September deadline.

This is an important step in strengthening animal traceability and helping to protect animal health and welfare in Northern Ireland. I would encourage keepers to complete the simple, free registration process as soon as possible.

Registration can be completed online via the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/register-equine-and-other-non-farm-animal-establishments. Alternatively, a paper Animal Group Number (AGN) application form can be downloaded and returned to any DAERA Direct Office: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/animal-group-number-application.

The registration requirement is part of new rules for camelids and cervids. Keepers must also start keeping the required records from 30 September 2026.

Full information on how to register and the records that should be kept is available on the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/identification-registration-and-movement-camelids-and-cervids

Notes to editors:

1. The new rules for keepers of camelids and cervids are required under European Union Regulation 2016/429, commonly known as the Animal Health Law (AHL), and apply in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
2. Unlike other livestock species, there have previously been no statutory requirements in Northern Ireland for registering, identifying or keeping records for camelids and cervids. DAERA previously operated a voluntary registration process under the now-repealed EU Balai Directive for those involved in the export of these animals.
3. As the requirements are entirely new for camelid and cervid keepers, they are being introduced on a phased basis. All keepers must be registered by 30 September 2026 and start keeping records from this date.
4. From 4 January 2027, any animal not already identified must be identified using a DAERA-approved method within nine months of birth, or before it is moved from its establishment of birth, whichever is earlier.
5. Registration information will be held on the DAERA Northern Ireland Farm Animal Information System (NIFAIS) database. An establishment code, in the form of an AGN, will be allocated for each species.
6. DAERA officials have worked with industry stakeholders, including representative groups and societies and local camelid and cervid businesses, to support implementation of the new rules. A communications campaign is ongoing to raise awareness of the obligations and key deadlines