09/05/2024
EID Tagging FYI’s
Stephanie Smith-Whited, DVM
Starting November 5th, official ID’s for cattle will be changing. Previous official ID’s for cattle include both the Orange Bangs Metal Clip (to help identify brucellosis vaccinates) as will as a Silver Metal Clip. These tags are a series of numbers and letters of 9 digits. Both of these tags are considered “official” tags from the USDA, these tags are used to identify origins of cattle at auction markets and slaughterhouses as well as for cattle crossing state or international borders. These tag numbers are reported to the state by the Veterinarian that tags the animals with origin, age, s*x, color, etc. These tags are used to help with disease traceability in the case of an infectious disease outbreak in cattle such as Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Current regulations depend on the state, however all cattle crossing out of or into South Dakota must have a current health paper. Sexually intact cattle that are 18 months and older must have an official identification tag. All dairy cattle regardless of age must have an official identification tag. Cattle and bison that are used for rodeo, recreation events, shows & exhibitions must also have official identification tags.
As of November 5th, we will no longer be able to apply these forms of official identification for use as official identification purposes. Cattle that already have these metal tags are grandfathered in and are able to use these tags for identification without receiving a new RFID-EID tag.
What is an EID? EID (Electronic Identification Device) is a tag that is placed in the ear with a 15-digit number. This tag is an RFID (radio frequency) that essential carries a barcode that can be scanned with a reader. This tag can be read visually or with the scanner.
What an EID is NOT: An EID tag is NOT a tracking device and it does NOT store any information other than the 15-digit number. It is NOT a GPS.
What can EID’s be used for? EID’s are replacing the metal tags (previously mentioned) for official identification. They can also be used for producer record keeping. Computer software is available to connect to the EID reader as well as digital scale heads to track numerous amounts of information for when cattle enter the chute, such as weights, treatments, age, pregnancy status, etc. Tracking this information can only be done on a computer and NOT by having a tag scanner alone.