On May 9, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a rule changing what is considered an Official Identification for cattle and bison. This rule goes into effect on Nov. 5, 2024. The rule changes what is considered Official ID, not when Official ID is required. 

Ear tags applied on or after Nov. 5, 2024, must “be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official ear tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations,” according to the official rule. In turn, Minnesota will follow the Federal definition of Official Identification when it is required for intrastate movements. 

Electronic identification allows animal health officials to assist producers and respond faster in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.  

Minnesota has been allocated a certain number of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, which can be issued to producers for free. Currently, the RFID tags can only be issued in increments of 1,000. The Board of Animal health is working on distribution solutions as most of Minnesota’s producers have herds with fewer head of cattle. 

“The rule change is a boon for Minnesota cattle producers and disease traceability in the U.S. as a whole,” said Dr. Katie Cornille, Minnesota Board of Animal Health cattle and traceability program director. “Using electronic ID (EID) tags can make it easier for producers to efficiently identify animals and add value to their herd in the long run.” 

Veterinarians and cattle producers should contact trace@state.mn.us with questions. 

For more information and to read the text of the rules, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/09/2024-09717/use-of-electronic-identification-eartags-as-official-identification-in-cattle-and-bison