The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has received a limited number of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) ear tags from the USDA for distribution to veterinarians and cattle producers for use in replacement breeding cattle.
The complimentary RFID tags are to be used as an alternative to silver metal Brite tags and orange metal Official Calfhood Vaccination tags.
“The TAHC is pleased to have received these RFID tags through the USDA’s no-cost program,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC executive director and state veterinarian. “We believe this program will help offset the costs of switching to this type of tag while also helping our state respond to potential disease events more quickly and efficiently.”
Two types of tags are available to order: white “840” button tags and orange “840” calfhood vaccination button tags. Both RFID tags are low-frequency tags as there is not a high-frequency version available through this program. Veterinarians may receive both white and orange tags, while cattle producers may only receive white tags.
Texas-accredited veterinarians and cattle producers interested in ordering RFID tags at no cost may submit their request to the TAHC’s Animal Disease Traceability Department.
