Farmers can now report cattle births, movements and deaths using a new automated phone service launched by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). 
 
The new self-service line for the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) is available round the clock to cattle keepers registered with BCMS.  It provides those farmers who are unable to access the CTS Online system with an alternative electronic service.     
 
Farmers can report births, movements, and deaths as long as cattle have UK numeric ear tags. Information is checked while the farmer is on the phone, and a reference number is provided after each transaction is complete.
 
The system will only accept information provided by farmers calling from a phone number registered against their holding.  Keepers must still complete the details of the death in the passport and return it to BCMS within seven days of the date of death.  
 
The new service* is available in English on 0845 011 1212; and Welsh on 0845 011 1213.
 
For more information and to check that your phone number is correctly registered against your holding, please visit the BCMS pages of the RPA website at www.rpa.gov.uk; phone the BCMS helpline on 0845 050 1234 (English) or 0845 050 3456 (Welsh-language); or email bcms-enquiries@bcms.rpa.gsi.gov.uk