Export cattle from UK to France

[LizLetcher]

Has anyone got any information / know anyone who has sent cattle to France. I had an e-mail from someone who wants 2 cows and a bull in dept 16. Seems a long way from us (Cornwall)

[Broomcroft]

I haven't actually done it, but we had a similar enquiry two years ago. It didn't go through, but I did get all the info to do it. I simply got in touch with a specialist livestock transport/export company, who would arrange and do everything, and also tell me what I needed to do.

The cost was through the roof unless there was a good load of cattle. Smallest lorry was about 10-15 cows if I recall, and the biggest was an artic. The small lorry was by far the most expensive per animal.

They went to a holding centre first belonging to the company, and then on from there to France.

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Go to http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/an ... _guide.pdf

There are links on this info page to other more detailed sections, all animal exports are handled through DEFRA Carlisle. The last time I handled export to France rough requirements are TB testing within 28 days of export, the buyer in France wanted clearance for BVD, IBR, Lepto and Johnes but that was a private requirement and not government. They have to be health checked before loading, certified free of infectious or contagious disease, including external parasites (try that on highland cattle in spring!) DEFRA will do some checks regarding BSE etc and issue paperwork for your local "Official Veterinary Surgeon" to cope with. Ask at your local practice if they are used to handling such stuff, it is a bit scary if you are not doing it regularly and never comes till the last minute.

I have no idea who to ask about transport in your part of the country, I personally have sent Dexters to Germany and they went via Adrian Wheelwright with bases in North of Scotland and Yorkshire. We have had exporting clients use Irish transporters all the way from Eire travelling via Stranraer then picking up in UK going to France via Poole I think. I can get you their details if you like, they may have regular runs.

Make sure you discuss with the buyer who is paying for what.

Duncan

[Kate]

We have imported dexters to France from UK twice now - it is not difficult, but very expensive and a lot of paperwork both ends. I would have said it was not viable to do unless you bought more than 10 animals over. If you would like more details about hauliers etc please contact me through my website - www.dextervache.eu.

We live in central France (dept 03) and have cows with calves at foot and heifers for sale at the present time.

Good luck

Kate Pude
Nordens Dexters
Le Perenchamp
03210 Autry Issards
FRANCE

[strawberriesclint]

Hi Liz

I have exported to Belguim and the hassel and cost involved was deffinately not worth it. The amount of paperwork involved is awfull,and the vets do a large part of it which when i did it, which was about two years ago, the vet bill alone was £350 so i personally would advise against it. Good luck.

cyndy

[ann]

Hi Kate

I like the look of your stock bull, he looks very nice.

[jmc]

Hi,

I brought some from the uk to Ireland last year. The additional cost of vet and transport were mine to bear. Also, the hassle of trying to sort the transport logistics were also for myself to sort out.

I don't see why it should be any other way.

John