Epi. 230 – What Veterinarians Need to Know about the Animal Disease Traceability Rule

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Sigrid Johannes from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to discuss the updated USDA Animal Disease Traceability Rule which took effect in November 2024. This rule is an update of the 2013 rule and there was significant stakeholder input and collaboration with USDA to develop the final rule.

It is important for veterinarians to understand the rule to work with their clients to ensure they are in compliance with the regulations. The main change to the 2013 rule is that the type of identification must be both visually and electronically readable. Other aspects of the 2013 rule remain largely unchanged. Specifically, this affects cattle moving interstate and are either dairy breed animals, sexually intact cattle over 18 months of age, and animals that are used for rodeo, recreational events, shows or exhibitions. All other classes of cattle, including those moving interstate direct to slaughter, are not impacted by this rule.

Johannes estimates that this rule affects 10-12% of the U.S. cattle herd and she also provides information about how producers and veterinarians can obtain free tags. We also discuss the importance of confidentiality and the information that is stored on tags. The information on the tag includes the EID number, and other information from producer records is not subject to freedom of information act (FOIA) requests. Producer confidentiality remains a high priority and is secure with this regulation.

Johannes also mentions the importance of a robust disease traceability system to protect cattle health as well as maintaining export markets and global competitive trade. This is important not only for producers, but also the sustainability of the cattle veterinary industry. 

Veterinarians should familiarize themselves with the rule by visiting this link. General information from USDA APHIS can be found on this page. NCBA has also developed a backgrounder document for producers that veterinarians can use to assist their clients.