09/03/2024
From the New Mexico Livestock Board:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has shared its final rule for enhancing animal disease traceability (ADT) efforts for cattle and bison. This rule was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, and goes into effect November 5, 2024.
The updated rule requires official ear tags to be visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison, The final rule applies to:
- Sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age and older
- All dairy cattle
- Cattle and bison of any age for rodeo or recreation events
- Cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibition
Metal official identification tags that are currently in place can remain in those animals as their permanent identification and do not need to be removed or replaced. As of November 5, 2024, metal tags may no longer be placed in the ear and used as official identification in cattle or bison.
Additional information is available through the USDA APHIS website and in the Frequently Asked Questions: Animal Disease Traceability Rule (9CFR Part 86). Free electronic identification (RFID) tags are available to New Mexico cattle producers, sale barns, and accredited veterinarians through the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB). A premises identification number (PIN) is required and can be obtained through the NMLB prior to ordering tags. Please contact the NMLB office at 505-841-6161
