Minnesota EID ear tag rule for cattle and bison goes into effect Nov. 5, 2024 | The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO

The Minnesota Board of Animal will implement a new United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service official identification rule on electronic identification (EID) tags on Nov. 5, 2024. USDA issued the new guideline April 26, 2024.

The rule specifies ear tags for all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events, and cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibition “must be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official identification for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations.” Current EID include radio frequency identification (RFID). This means visual-only tags like the NUES 9 (metal or plastic) tags will no longer be counted as official unless they are applied to the animal before the Nov. 5, 2024, deadline.

“These rules are also effective for intrastate (within Minnesota) movements and using RFID tags bolsters our ability to quickly and accurately track the movements of animals in and around our state,” said Dr. Katie Cornille, senior veterinarian with the Board. “A quick and accurate response means fewer farms and animals are affected by disease and quarantines, which reduces economic impact and keeps the industry moving.”

When disease is discovered at a farm, processing plant, or market, animal records tell the Board what animals may have been exposed and where they went or came from so those investigating can follow the trail to find the source of the disease and contain additional spread. Tag information is recorded when tags are applied, at selling points, when official movements are recorded, and when a disease investigation is being conducted. RFID allows a quicker response during investigations because animal health officials can process tag information electronically.

The Board and USDA do not passively track RFID tags on producers’ private property or remotely monitor herds.

Producers can purchase tags from approved manufacturers directly or check with their veterinarian to see if they have a supply of RFID tags. Purchase tags and tag applicators directly from the following manufacturers: Allflex, Datamars, Destron, Leader, Shearwell, Wuxi, and Y-Tex. Tag applicators are specific to each manufacturer. When no-cost tags are available through the USDA distribution program, producers and veterinarians can order through the Board’s website.

The rule changes what counts as official ID, not when official ID is needed. The rules regarding what needs to be identified when are not changing. Visit the Board’s website to see when these animals require official ID for entering or moving within Minnesota.

Questions on the implementation of this rule can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].

Please join experts from the Board to walk through the new requirements on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 12 p.m. Register for the free webinar.

Source: Minnesota Board of Animal Health