By Jamie Martin
As of November 5, 2024, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has initiated new animal disease traceability regulations. These updated rules mandate electronic identification (EID) tags for specific categories of cattle and bison when they cross state lines, a move designed to enhance the management of animal disease outbreaks.
The rule specifically targets dairy cattle, sexually intact beef cattle, and bison over 18 months, along with all exhibition and rodeo stock. Notably, the requirement does not extend to stocker or feeder cattle.
Producers need to equip any applicable livestock with an 840 EID tag, which must be both visually and electronically readable. Animals previously tagged with either a silver Brite or orange bangs metal tag prior to the implementation date do not require re-tagging.
The 840 EID tags are available free of charge through sources like the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, although producers must pay shipping costs. Tags can also be acquired directly from manufacturers or veterinary supply distributors.
A premises ID is necessary to order these tags. For animals not of U.S. origin, 900 series tags are valid only if they meet specific conditions. These regulations aim to bolster the efficacy of response to disease outbreaks and minimize economic impacts on livestock producers.
For additional guidance or to order tags, producers are encouraged to contact their state veterinarian or visit the Animal Industry State Veterinarian Page.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National