USDA is seeking comment on a proposal to amend animal disease traceability regulations. Under the proposed rule, ear tags must be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison. The department is also proposing to clarify certain record retention and record access requirements and review some requirements relating to slaughter cattle.
“One of the most significant benefits of the proposed rule would be the enhanced ability of the United States to regionalize and compartmentalize animal disease outbreaks more quickly,” the unpublished rule read. “Having an (electronic identification, EID) system in place would, therefore, minimize not only the spread of disease but also the trade impacts an outbreak may have.”
Rule details
The proposed rule would apply to the following specific classes of cattle crossing state lines:
• Sexually intact and 18 months of age or older.
• All dairy cattle.
• Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events.
• Cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.
USDA proposes to revise the definition of “dairy cattle” to include any cattle that are reared under the same management practices as purebred dairy breeds—not just certain dairy breeds. This could include crossbred calves born to dairy cattle.
“There exists the possibility that as a result of these proposed changes, more animals may be subject to the official identification rethereforequirements for interstate movement than are currently,” the rule read. “As we note in the economic analysis accompanying this proposed rule, we are seeking public comment on this issue.”
Animals not impacted by the rule would include:
• Those that do not cross state lines.
• Those already tagged with official EID.
• Beef and bison under the age of 18 months.
• Animals going to slaughter.
In the new rule, as opposed to the original July 2020 proposed rule related to ear tag changes, USDA refers to EID tags rather than radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. The department notes that currently, the only officially electronically readable identification tags are RFID tags, but at some point in the future, there may be other electronically readable technology. The department will remain technology neutral at this time.
In the proposed rule, USDA noted that in the July rule, opponents were concerned with the perceived costs on producers and markets of having to purchase electronic reading equipment and computer systems.
In response, the department wrote, “We do not agree with the commenters regarding the magnitude of costs to the domestic cattle and bison industry. Many of these commenters were not aware that the official RFID tags are easily read visually and, therefore, could be used as they are currently using non-EID tags without the added expense of purchasing reading equipment. Also, large categories of cattle, such as feeder cattle or cull cattle going to slaughter, are not subject to the official identification requirements and would not require official eartags.”
About 11 million cattle are currently tagged with official non-EID ear tags per year. The proposed rule said a benefit-cost analysis found that the estimated total average annual cost of purchasing approximately 11 million EID tags, instead of the non-EID tags, is approximately $26.1 million dollars per year, or $30.45 per cattle or bison operation.
A list of currently approved ear tags is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_ain.pdf.
Industry reactions
“As USDA has worked toward a nationally significant animal disease traceability program, NCBA has remained engaged in the conversation with industry stakeholders and USDA to ensure the interests of cattle producers are represented and protected,” said NCBA President-Elect Todd Wilkinson in a statement. “It is critical that any program ultimately adopted by USDA allows for maximum flexibility and privacy. At the same time, USDA must also minimize the costs for producers and any business disruptions to the industry.”
Wilkinson continued that global foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks continue to result in disrupted commerce and depopulated livestock, and bold action is immediate and evident. He said NCBA is committed to working with USDA to find workable solutions, and cattle producers should be confident that any finished product will protect the national herd.
“We will ensure it provides maximum producer privacy and flexibility with minimal costs, exactly what our stakeholders have told us they expect from USDA,” Wilkinson concluded.
NCBA will continue to review the proposed policy.
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is also reviewing the rule, and the organization’s Animal Health and Identification Committee will meet soon to discuss the proposed rule and formulate a response.
“USCA will continue to engage with senior animal health officials to establish a workable program to treat, monitor, and ultimately contain an endemic disease as quickly and efficiently as possible,” the group said in a statement.
Comments will be accepted until 60 days after the rule was officially published in the Federal Register on Jan. 19. Comments may be submitted at regulations.gov by searching for docket ID APHIS-2021-0020 or by mail to Docket No. APHIS-2021-0020, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
