10/07/2024
New regulations go into effect on November 5th. Here is the link to order free EID tags through USDA.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/traceability?
Starting November 5th, new rules will change how cattle are officially identified. The current metal tags (orange or silver) will no longer be used for official identification. However, cattle with these tags can still use them.
Moving forward, RFID-EID tags (Electronic Identification Devices) will be required for new cattle. These tags have a 15-digit number and help with disease tracking but are not GPS devices. These EID tags can also assist producers with record-keeping when linked to digital tools, tracking information like weight and treatments.
Read more about the change here: https://www.avma.org/news/aphis-finalizes-rule-requiring-electronic-id-tags-certain-cattle-bison