Hot Topics Relating to Livestock and Forages
Cattle ID: USDA Releases Guidelines for Manufacturing & Distribution of Official
Identification Devices
On March 3, 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service announced the implementation of the animal
identification number (AIN) as the next phase of the voluntary National Animal
Identification System (NAIS). The initial focus of the AIN is for individual
cattle and swine. These species typically use identification eartags (referred
to as AIN tags) when official identification is necessary (e.g., for interstate
commerce or disease programs).
The use of the AIN will be expanded to other species that use other forms of
identification (such as implants) in the future. APHIS also has adopted an
option with NAIS to allow producers to incorporate supplemental identification
methods or technologies with the AIN tag, such as radio frequency identification
(RFID) and biometrics (e.g., DNA and retinal imaging). Supplemental
identification technologies or methods may vary among species. To ensure
compatibility and uniformity in the national program, however, APHIS will
establish technology standards when applicable, along with performance
requirements.
Performance standards for AIN tags and RFID-AIN tags are contained in the
document entitled Administration of Official Identification Devices with the
Animal Identification Number available at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nais.
Performance standards issued for AIN tags include, but are not limited to,
the following.
- The tag must be designed for
one-time use and be tamper-evident.
- The printing on the tag may
not readily be altered and should include the 15-digit AIN and U.S.
shield.
- The AIN number must
be readable at a distance of 30 inches.
- The tag must function and
remain affixed to the animal for the expected lifetime of the
animal.
- On average, not more than 1
percent of tags applied may be lost in the years following
application.
For bison and cattle, APHIS supports the integration of radio frequency
identification with the eartag.
While public comments show an overwhelming support for RFID-integrated
eartags, other supplemental technologies remain an option for use with the AIN
tag.
Companies or individuals wishing to manufacture or distribute AIN tags must
apply for approval with the USDA. Applicants must first register for a
nonproducer participant number through the premises registration system in the
state where the company’s headquarters is located, then obtain a level-2 USDA
eAuthentication account. An on-line identity verification system,
eAuthentication, is needed to gain access to the AIN Management System that
supports the distribution of AINs and AIN tags.
A level-2 eAuthentication account provides authorized users with specific
roles to access the AIN Management System and enables users to conduct
electronic business transactions with USDA via the Internet. To obtain an
account with level-2 eAuthentication access, you must complete an account
profile online at
http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov/eauthCreateAccount.html, and
then visit the nearest USDA service center in person to prove your identity with
a current state driver's license, state photo identification, U.S. passport, or
U.S. military identification.
For more information on how to obtain an eAuthentication account, please
visit
http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov.
The distribution strategy for AIN tags involves three key roles: AIN tag
manufacturers, managers, and resellers. Tag manufacturers are companies
authorized by APHIS to manufacture approved identification devices and are
responsible for the overall production and quality of the official
identification devices.
Tag manufacturers are responsible for
- Abiding by the terms and
conditions set forth in the AIN Tag Manufacturer agreement
- Completing an AIN tag
manufacturer training program
- Imprinting the “840" number
and U.S. shield on identification devices
- Maintaining the uniqueness
of AINs allocated to them
- Reporting the distribution
of all AIN tags to the AIN Management System within 24 hours of
shipment.
Tag managers are individuals or companies that distribute AIN tags to another
manager, reseller or registered premises. An AIN tag manager must have an AIN
tag distribution agreement with an AIN tag manufacturer.
Tag managers are responsible for
- Completing an AIN tag
manager training program
- Distributing AIN tags to
registered premises or registered nonproducer participant
- Maintaining a dated
inventory of AIN tags received from manufacturers
- Educating producers on the
proper use of official AIN tags
- Reporting the distribution
of all AIN tags to the AIN Management System within 24 hours of
shipment
Tag resellers function similarly to tag managers but operate under a
marketing agreement with an AIN tag manager instead of a manufacturer. Like a
tag manager, tag resellers are responsible for
- Completing an AIN tag
manager training program
- Distributing AIN tags to
registered premises or registered nonproducer participant
- Maintaining a dated
inventory of AIN tags received from manufacturers
- Educating producers on the
proper use of official AIN tags
- Reporting the distribution
of all AIN tags to the AIN Management System within 24 hours of
shipment
For more information on how to become an AIN tag manufacturer or distributor,
please consult the document entitled Administration of Official Identification
Devices with the Animal Identification Number available at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nais.
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