Animal Disease Traceability (ADT)

 
Please note: as of 2/15/2020 the agreement between Montana and Idaho to allow use of brands as identification for beef cattle on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection is no longer in effect. Herds moving on approved seasonal grazing permits may be able to continue to use this form of identification. Producers with questions can call ISDA at (208) 332-8540 or the Montana Department of Livestock at (406) 444-2976.
 
The Division of Animal Industries at ISDA is tasked with disease prevention and control.  One method of accomplishing this is through animal identification requirements.  Below is information regarding identification requirements for cattle under the USDA Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program.  The goal of traceability is to be able to locate (trace) any animal quickly and efficiently in the case of a disease outbreak or concern.  This includes having an animal identified early in its life and then being able to follow its movement throughout its life, up until death. Producers can order free RFID tags by completing an order form or contacting Miranda Juker by email or phone at (208) 332-8571. Additionally, ISDA has several RFID readers available to loan, free of charge, to Idaho livestock producers. The reader rental program is intended to provide producers an opportunity to utilize RFID technology without requiring the purchase of an RFID reader. To request a reader, complete the rental request form.
 
The ADT program defines official animal identification and sets the recording requirements for the interstate movement of animals.  Animals which would otherwise require identification may go directly to an approved tagging site without having any identification present.  They may also go directly to an approved slaughter facility, to be slaughtered within 3 days, with a USDA-approved backtag in lieu of other identification.
 
The following groups of cattle are required to display individual, official identification:

      • All dairy cattle, of any age
      • All cattle moving interstate for shows or rodeos
      • All intact beef cattle 18 months of age or older

These animals must always have individual, official identification listed on their Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

 

Official Identification Methods

 

  • USDA Orange (vaccination) Tag:

    • Image of orange calfhood vaccination identification tag.
    Image from USDA

     

  • USDA Silver Tag:

    • Image of silver USDA identification tag.
    Image from USDA

     

  • 840-RFID Tag:

    • Images of 840 tag options.
    Image from USDA

 

These are the only identification methods considered official.  Other identification types, such as trichomoniasis testing tags, freeze brands, registration tattoos or farm/ranch tags are not considered official identification for the purpose of interstate movement.

 
Idaho has brand agreements with most bordering states which address the listing of identification for beef breed cattle, except for those moving for participation in rodeos or shows.  Beef breed cattle 18 months of age or older may move on a CVI without listing individual identification if they meet the following criteria:

      • All animals on the CVI still must display individual, official identification.
      • All animals on the CVI must have a common brand, registered with the state brand authority.
      • The common brand must be drawn on the CVI.
      • The CVI must have the following statement: “All animals on this CVI have individual, official identification.”

This exception only applies to animals moving into or out of Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Wyoming.
 
If you are a veterinarian needing to order orange or silver USDA tags, you can contact the USDA Boise office at (208) 373-1620.  RFIDs can be ordered through any ear tag distributor.
 
If you have any other questions regarding identification requirements, please email or call us at (208) 332-8540.