Animal Disease Traceability (ADT)
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 swine 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.
The ADT program defines official animal identification and recording requirements for the interstate movement of animals. Animals which would otherwise require identification may go directly to an approved slaughter facility, to be slaughtered within 3 days, with a USDA-approved backtag in lieu of other identification.
All swine require individual, official identification prior to being moved interstate. They must always have individual, official identification listed on their Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
Official Identification Methods
- Ear Notch – only if registered with a purebred association
- Ear or inner flank tattoos – only if registered with a purebred association
- Microchip for pet pigs
- USDA Silver Tag:
- 840-RFID Tag:
Image from USDA
Image from USDA
Image from USDA
Image from USDA
Image from USDA
These are the only identification methods considered official. Other identification types, such as brands, unregistered notches/tattoos, or farm/ranch tags are not considered official identification for the purpose of interstate movement.
If you are a veterinarian needing to order silver USDA tags, you can contact the USDA Boise office at (208) 373-1620. RFIDs can be ordered through any ear tag distributor.