USDA Reintroduces RFID Tag Rule for Cattle | Dairy News

USDA Reintroduces RFID Tag Rule for Cattle | Dairy News

USDA wants certain types of cattle to have ear tags that can be read both visually and electronically. This move aims to enhance traceability and improve disease management across the livestock industry.

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The agency proposed a rule on January 19 that would apply to all dairy cattle, show and rodeo stock, and sexually intact cattle and bison at least 18 months old. The draft regulation continues a seven-year initiative aimed at expediting disease tracking by replacing metal ear tags with electronic ones. Rapid identification of a sick animal's contacts could be crucial in containing a severe disease outbreak.

The latest version of the rule would affect around 11% of cattle and bison, according to USDA. The mandate would not apply to beef cattle and bison under 18 months old, animals going to slaughter, or animals that do not cross state lines.

Dairy cattle are universally included in the rule due to higher disease transmission risks associated with dairy farming practices compared to beef husbandry, such as pooling colostrum from multiple cows to feed many calves. USDA has utilized metal ear tags for animal ID in disease programs for decades and began accepting radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for cattle in 2008.

Benefits and Costs of Electronic Ear Tags

Electronic ear tags, which transmit information to a scanner, allow for easy data collection without the need to restrain the animal, thereby reducing the risk of errors in reading tags. The tags also have printed identification numbers, so farmers won't need electronic tag readers to manage their cattle.

Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, criticized the mandate, arguing that it favors large meatpackers by imposing costs on farmers. He suggested that packers offer economic incentives for voluntary RFID use to mitigate trade loss risks.

While some critics raise concerns about RFID tags falling out, USDA ensures that its tags undergo quality control to remain secure. Cost-wise, USDA estimates that switching to electronic ear tags will increase annual costs for cattle producers by $26 million nationally, or about $30 per operation.

This cost is minimal compared to the economic impact of diseases like foot and mouth disease, which could cause disruptions worth billions. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is still reviewing the proposal. Unlike previous drafts, the new rule refers to electronic identification tags broadly, to accommodate future technology developments.

USDA will accept comments on the proposal until March 20 and will review them before making the rule final.

This story has been expanded since its initial posting.

Implementation Timeline for RFID Tags

Starting January 1, 2020, new rules require beef cattle identification to transition from metal tags to RFID tags for improved traceability in case of disease outbreaks. Cattle crossing state lines or falling under specific categories will need RFID tags starting January 1, 2023. Beef animals needing RFID tags include those sexually intact and 18 months or older, used in rodeo or recreational events, or for shows and exhibitions.

The tags, which can be low- or ultra-high frequency, should be applied at birth or before moving off the ranch. Approved by the USDA, the tags are tamper-proof, uniquely ID'd, and display the official US ear tag shield. These tags will replace the metal, orange brucellosis tags.

While the transition to RFID will incur costs, USDA will partner with state health officials to share these expenses. States will manage the approval and allocation of discounted tags and oversee the process. Veterinarians can continue to apply official ID tags if they meet record-keeping requirements.

Other forms of ID like tattoos and brands may still be acceptable if agreed upon by both states involved in shipping and receiving cattle.

Key dates in the implementation timeline include:

• December 21, 2019: USDA stops providing free metal tags.
• January 1, 2021: Metal tag production with USDA shield ends; RFID tags become mandatory for official ID.
• January 1, 2023: RFID tags required for interstate moving cattle and bison meeting set requirements.

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