Animal Disease Traceability
What is Animal Disease Traceability?
The Animal Disease Traceability Program is a national animal health program developed by the USDA and state animal health officials in cooperation with industry. Individual official animal identification and premises identification increase traceability from farm to harvest, which is our front line to reducing the impact of an animal disease outbreak.
Individual Animal Official Identification
One of the most critical activities in an animal disease response is tracing the movement of animals. An efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the number of animals and response time involved in a disease investigation; which, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.
The USDA Animal Disease Traceability Home Site describes goals, resources, and information on the animal disease traceability program and approved identification devices. On this website are listings of approved devices for animal identification. Below are some of the documents for your convenience.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Cattle & Bison Identification Program for Producers and Veterinarians
Through an agreement with USDA, a limited supply of electronic "840" tags are being made available for producers and veterinarians for use on replacement cattle and bison. Links are below for information on this program. Please note that while the tags are provided at no charge, there is a flat shipping rate of $30 for orders (minimum order of 100 tags, up to 500). Pick-up from the Department is available during regular office hours (Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm, excluding State and Federal Holidays. Call before visiting us!
Veterinarian Information
RFID 840 Tag Veterinarian Order Form.pdf
Monthly Report of Tags Applied.xls
Producer Information
Livestock Premises Identification
Premises Identification involves assigning a unique number to premises involved in animal agriculture. Allied agricultural operations and non-producer participants can also be assigned Premises Identification Numbers. Information utilized to register a premises will be maintained by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and is protected. During an animal health emergency key pieces will be shared with the USDA for animal disease tracing purposes. Premises Identification is voluntary at this time and is offered at no cost to the producer.
Registering your premises is free and easy. Download and complete the Registration Form and return it to us by email, fax, or mail. Once registration is complete you will receive a premises identification number (PIN) certificate via mail or email.
Move? No longer have livestock? Have changes to the species on the property, or has your contact information changed? Please keep your information up to date. You can either fill out a new form and check "Update" at the top of the page, or give us a call at 217-782-4944. If you don't know your PIN, no worries! We can look it up by the address or your contact information.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ to learn more. Our Illinois industry partners have also compiled basic information here.
For questions about animal disease traceability contact us:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare
State Fairgrounds - P.O. Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9281
Telephone: 217/782-4944
Fax: 217/558-6033
Email: agr.premises@illinois.gov