Prairie State Wire

On April 26, 2024, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) announced the final rule to enhance animal disease traceability (ADT) for certain cattle and bison. This rule will take effect 180 days from its publication in the Federal Register. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will provide an update with the final date once published.

The key changes in this rule include the mandatory use of electronic identification (EID) for all sexually intact cattle and bison aged 18 months or older, all dairy cattle regardless of age, and any cattle used for rodeo, recreation, or exhibition moving interstate. This identification must be readable both visually and electronically. Visual ear tags applied before the effective date of the rule will remain valid for the lifetime of that animal.

Additionally, the definition of dairy cattle has been revised to include "all cattle, regardless of age or sex or current use, that are of a breed(s) or offspring of a breed used to produce milk or other dairy products for human consumption." This includes breeds such as Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and Whites.

To facilitate this transition, IDOA's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare continues to offer free electronic 840 tags to cattle and bison producers and veterinarians through an agreement with USDA. Tags can be picked up during regular office hours from Monday to Friday. While tags are provided at no charge, there is a flat rate shipping fee of $30 for orders requiring delivery.

For exhibitors at state fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin, 840 tags are mandatory for cattle and swine. Owners must ensure veterinary inspections and tag installations before arriving at fairgrounds. Animals without these tags must contact on-site veterinary providers at their own expense or risk removal from the fairgrounds.

Premises Identification assigns unique numbers to premises involved in animal agriculture. Registration is voluntary but encouraged as it aids in tracing during health emergencies. Information collected is protected but shared with USDA when necessary.

For further information on registering premises or questions about animal disease traceability:

Illinois Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare

P.O. Box 19281

Springfield, Illinois 62794-9281

Telephone: 217/782-4944

Fax: 217/558-6033

Email: agr.premises@illinois.gov