- Author: John M Harper
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon publish a new animal disease traceability rule. The rule will require that certain livestock moving interstate be officially identified and accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) or other documentation. The regulations will specify authorized forms of official identification for each species with identification of cattle as the initial target of the program.
The USDA plan focuses on animals moving interstate – the movements with the greatest national impact for spread of diseases. Under the new proposal, the requirement for individual animal identification will include dairy, rodeo and show cattle of all ages and beef cattle 18 months of age and older. There will also be a phase-in of official identification requirements for cattle less than 18 months of age. The rule will provide some exemptions for movement of a commuter herd with a copy of the commuter herd agreement. When agreed upon by animal health officials in two states, movement of cattle under 18 months of age between the two states may occur with documentation other than an ICVI, such as a brand inspection certificate The following devices will be listed in the proposal as official identification for cattle: Animal Identification Number devices – "840 tags"; National Uniform Eartagging System tags - silver and orange metal tags with the state code; Location-Based Number - an official premises identification number with a unique herd management number.
If agreed upon by animal health officials in the two states where cattle movement is to take place, other forms of animal identification can be used including brands, tattoos and breed registry certificates. States will be responsible for implementing a traceability system that will allow the state to achieve national traceability performance standards. State Animal Health Officials will work closely with local producers to implement a workable system. Each state will be required to develop a three-year roadmap to implement the new regulations. If you are have interest inparticipating in the CDFA Animal Disease Traceability Working Group, contact Victor Velez (victor.velez@cdfa.ca.gov)