The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries recently passed the Animal Disease Traceability Rule (80-3-6-40)which went into effect January 1, 2013. Protecting Alabama’s agriculture by safeguarding animal health and productivity is vital to the people of Alabama. Healthy livestock is one component to providing the public a safe, affordable and wholesome food supply. Preventing the introduction of foreign animal disease that harm both livestock and the livelihoods of producers also creates economic stability and opportunity. While producers and farmers work hard to protect their animals and their livelihoods, there is no guarantee their animals will be spared from disease; disease events can happen accidentally or intentionally. Rapid response systems minimize economic impact when disease enter this country and disrupt the movement of livestock. This rule will help rapidly trace animals in the event of a potential livestock disease outbreak. This will also position producers to take advantage of any possible export markets.

Official ID is required for cattle, 18 months of age or older at change of ownership; all female dairy cattle; cattle and bison used in rodeo, show, exhibition or recreational events. Exemptions to the rule are cattle less than 18 months of age and cattle sold for slaughter purposes. As of November 5, 2024, all official eartags for cattle and bison must be both readable both visually and electronically. The only approved official ID is an Electronic Identification (EID) that begins with the numbers 840 and has the official US shield. These EID tags may be purchased through third party vendors or, if qualified, from the state veterinarian's office.

For more information, contact Dr. Tony Frazier, State Veterinarian, at 334-240-7253.

If you are interested in learning more about the necessary qualifications for receiving offical EID or 840 tags from our office, contact Pam Thomas at 334-240-7253 or animalid.premises@agi.alabama.gov.