Are RFID tags required for cattle?

May. 06, 2024

Are RFID tags required for cattle?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program, all sexually intact beef cattle over 18 months old, dairy cattle, and bison moving between states will need to have RFIDs starting in January 2023. This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted traceability of livestock from birth to slaughter, ensuring better disease control and management across the industry.

RFID Tag Requirements

In the United States, official RFID tags are required for all cattle. Bulls, cows, steers, and calves must be tagged with an official RFID tag. Dairy breeds of all ages are required to have a permanent identification, whereas beef breeds older than 18 months must have an RFID tag. Additionally, any cattle used for rodeos, shows, or exhibitions, irrespective of age, must have an official RFID tag.

Obtaining RFID Tags

To obtain RFID tags, you can contact your local veterinarian, the local Department of Agriculture, or your local Extension Office. They will assist you in obtaining the necessary tags for your livestock.

Tagging Process

To apply the tag, it's essential to use a tagger. One commonly used tagger is the Total Tagger by Allflex. The male portion of the RFID tag is placed on the pin, and the female portion of the tag is placed under the silver clip of the tagger. Disinfecting the tagger before use will decrease the bacterial load on the tag, the tagger, and the ear of the animal, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection.

The best place to position the tag is the inner quarter of the ear, preferably on the left ear of the animal. This positioning helps reduce the risk of the tag being ripped out if the animal gets caught on something.

Legal Considerations

Once an RFID tag is applied, it is unlawful to remove it, as the tag will stay with the animal for its entire life. This permanent identification allows for continued control and tracking even after an animal leaves the farm. The official RFID tags must contain a U.S. symbol inside a shield to be considered valid for identification purposes.

Importance of RFID Tags

RFID tags play a crucial role in managing and preventing the spread of diseases within livestock populations. These tags help farmers track each animal's health records, enabling them to take prompt action if an issue arises. Due to the high mobility of livestock, diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), and Bovine Tuberculosis can spread rapidly if not adequately monitored.

Disease Management

Managing and preventing disease outbreaks is a significant aspect of tracking individual livestock. These diseases, although not always immediately symptomatic, can devastate herds. The RFID system allows for quick identification and quarantine of affected animals, facilitating more effective disease control measures.

Economic Impact

An outbreak of a disease like FMD would halt all imports and exports of livestock and livestock products, severely affecting the economy. For example, in 2017, the export of U.S. livestock and livestock products amounted to $19 billion. Hence, RFID tagging is a preventive measure to avoid such catastrophic losses.

Implementing RFID

ADT Program

The USDA's ADT Program was designed to create a comprehensive network of individual animal traceability. Initially, this program required all livestock moving across state lines to be officially identified and have a Veterinarian Certified Inspection Document before traveling.

Transition to RFID

Starting in 2018, the USDA began phasing out old plastic and metal ear tags, with the mandate requiring RFID tags by 2023. These electronic tags are a more efficient and reliable means of identification, offering tamper-evident features and containing a unique identification number.

RFID Frequency Options

Farmers have three types of RFID tags to choose from, depending on their specific needs:

Low-Frequency (LF): Suitable for animal tracking, but limited read range.
High-Frequency (HF and NFC): Better read range of up to 1 foot.
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): Best read range of 15-20 feet, ideal for large-scale operations.

Advantages of UHF RFID

Despite the higher cost, UHF RFID offers several benefits over LF and HF, including better read range, faster data transmission, and greater standardization worldwide.

Implementation Steps

If you are transitioning to RFID tags for your livestock, consider the following steps:

Determine your business needs and problem areas to address with RFID technology.
Consult with RFID experts to select the appropriate type of RFID solution.
Calculate the cost and potential Return on Investment (ROI).
Develop a phased implementation plan to transition to RFID.
Research pre-existing RFID solutions and their integration with your current systems.
Engage with industry officials and other farmers for advice and insights.

Conclusion

RFID tags are becoming a crucial requirement for cattle management due to their efficiency in disease control, individual tracking, and economic protection. As the USDA mandates RFID tagging by 2023, now is the time for livestock owners to familiarize themselves with the technology and plan for its implementation.

For more information on RFID solutions, including products like the Plastic Steel Syringe for sale, visit our website or contact us for professional advice.