Greece pilots electronic identification for sheep and goats

Greece is launching a pilot program for the 2026 Integrated Administration and Control System (OSDE) involving the electronic identification of sheep and goats. The initiative aims to tag between 500,000 and 700,000 animals using intra-stomach boluses before the measure becomes mandatory for all livestock in 2027.

Currently, the requirement applies to livestock holdings with more than 900 animals, representing approximately 10% of the subsidized livestock population. Electronic marking is a prerequisite for eligibility for subsidies for sheep and goats older than six months.

Livestock farmers or veterinarians can manage the process through a new digital service on the gov.gr platform using Taxisnet credentials. The replacement bolus must carry the same unique identification code as the animal's conventional type 1 ear tag. While the application and tracking process is fully digital, the costs for the boluses and their professional installation by a veterinarian are to be borne entirely by the livestock farmers.