The USDA is updating its livestock identification rules to improve tracking of diseases in cattle and bison. Starting November 5th, 2024, any new ear tags applied to animals moving across state lines must be both visually readable and electronically scannable.
What This Means for You
- Electronic Tags Required: If you’re moving cattle or bison between states, they’ll need electronic ID (EID) tags after the rule takes effect.
- Existing Tags Are Okay: Visual-only Official ID tags already on your animals can stay for the life of the animal.
Which Animals Are Affected by This Rule
- Required:
- Sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months and older
- All dairy cattle
- Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation, shows, or other
exhibitions
- Exemptions:
- Feeder cattle under 18 months and animals going straight to slaughter won’t
need these tags.
- Feeder cattle under 18 months and animals going straight to slaughter won’t
Why This Change?
The new tags make it faster and easier to track animals during disease outbreaks, helping protect herds and the livestock industry. Electronic tags reduce errors compared to handwritten or manually entered records, improving accuracy.
Where Can You Get EID Tags?
- You may be able to receive EID tags for free from the Colorado state veterinarian. You can also buy EIDs directly from a distributor, online vendor or local dealer.
This update is about keeping your animals and the industry safe, with a focus on quicker
response times if there’s ever a disease outbreak.
More information can be found at:
https://www.avma.org/news/aphis-finalizes-rule-requiring-electronic-id-tags-certain-cattle-bison