Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has launched the new equine herd profiles and the equine census 2026.

According to Minister Heydon, the equine herd profiles "mark another significant step" in equine traceability and welfare, by linking every equine to a physical location, a responsible person and tracking movements from birth to death or export. Equine herd profiles are an operator’s view into the new Central Equine Database of the equines that are deemed to be under their care and control and linked to their equine premises registration number.

As part of the equine census 2026, operators will receive a hard copy of their equine herd profile.

Traceability

Minister Heydon stated that the launch of the herd profiles "underscores the government’s continued commitment to improving equine traceability and welfare".

"We said we'd act on the Wall Report — and we have," the minister said.

"The new equine herd profiles are proof that this government listens to the equine sector and delivers for it.

"Smarter traceability, stronger enforcement, and better technology are all part of how we protect this sector's reputation and back its growth."Operators can check their profile and complete their census return by registering with MyAgfood.ie, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said.

Operators need to ensure that their profile is up to date, by reporting movements of equines on to or off their establishment. Profiles will be required to:

Sell or export;
Access supports/grants;
Complete the 2026 equine census (taking place on July 31, closing August 14).

DAFM said the equine herd profiles reflect nine traceability checkpoints in the equine traceability system where an active equine premises number or database check is carried out.

These include: registrations; accessing veterinary medicines; registration updates; access to grant aid; export checks; inspections; entering sales catalogues; the census; and death notification. 

Prior to 2024, there were just three traceability checkpoints.

Report

Last year, Prof. Paddy Wall’s report on Ireland’s equine traceability system was published.

Prof. Wall, who is a veterinarian, medical doctor, knowledgeable in the equine sector and a food safety expert, was commissioned by the DAFM to carry out a root-and-branch review of Ireland's equine traceability system.

This followed the broadcast of an RTÉ Investigates documentary highlighting issues with equine traceability.