Cattle and Bison
Cattle and Bison General Health Information
Identification
General Information
- EID stands for Electronic Identification
- Goes into effect November 5, 2024
- Animals with existing metal tags/official ID are grandfathered in - EID changes only apply to new tags being applied
- Only applies to cattle being moved interstate
Accepted Forms of Official Identification
(EID tag requirements only apply to new tags being applied. Existing official ID’s listed below will still be accepted.)
- Official ear tags
- Metal tags applied before this goes into effect are considered official ID
- Does not include RFID tags starting with 9 (900 series tags)
- Registered brands if accepted by state of origin and destination
- Breed registration tattoos if accompanied by a breed registration certificate
- Group/lot identification number
Types of Cattle EID is Required for
- Groups of cattle required to be officially identified with EID if crossing state lines:
- Dairy cattle
- Female dairy cattle of any age
- Male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013
- Sexually intact cattle and bison over 18 months of age
- Cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions
- Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events
- Excludes cattle and bison going directly to slaughter
- Cattle vaccinated for brucellosis are also required to have an official ID, even if not crossing state lines
- Dairy cattle
Changes to Official ID Tags
- Official ear tags applied after the rule goes into effect must be readable - visually and electronically
- Two types of low-frequency tags available: FDX and HDX
- Currently 8 approved manufacturers Does not require that producers or veterinarians purchase RFID readers because the tags are visually readable as well
More Information
- Tags cannot be reused, and it is illegal to remove an official tag
- RFID tags are passive tags - the power is provided by the reader and allows the antenna in the tag to send the tag number
- There is no power source within the tag
- There is no information other than the ID number stored within the tag
Utah/Wyoming Brand Agreement
Which cattle are required to be officially identified under state and federal law?
Official identification is required for:
- Dairy cattle, regardless of age or purpose
- Sexually intact beef cattle over 18 months of age (cows and bulls)
- Cattle being transported to a show, exhibition, rodeo, or recreational event
- Cattle entering the Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area of Wyoming
When can a brand be used as the only form of official identification?
Brands can be used as the sole form of official identification only if:
- The brand is registered with the state
- There is an agreement (like this one) between the state of origin and state of destination, and
- The animals are accompanied by a brand inspection certificate.
Can I send cattle to other states (Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, etc.) using just a brand for official identification?
No. This agreement only applies to movements between Utah and Wyoming. However, both Utah and Wyoming are in contact with neighboring states and are working to hopefully develop similar agreements in the future.
Does this agreement allow cattle to move across state lines without meeting other vaccination or testing requirements?
No. This agreement only applies to the form of official identification that may be listed on the health certificate. This does not change any other import requirements.
Can cattle enter the Wyoming Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area with only a brand listed as official identification?
No. Due to surveillance requirements in the Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area, all cattle entering that area must have individual official identification tags.
How does a veterinarian indicate the identification of cattle moving under this agreement?
On the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), the veterinarian must list the brand inspection certificate number and attach the brand inspection certificate to the CVI before submission.
How does this agreement affect cattle moving across state lines where the pastures or property cross the state line?
These cattle can be moved between states without a health certificate or any additional requirements if they have a Contiguous Premises permit.
When is a brand inspection required in Utah?
Brand inspections are required in Utah for any cattle prior to:
- Change of ownership
- Slaughter
- Movement out of state
This agreement does not change the brand inspection requirements of either state.
How does this agreement affect commuter permits?
The only change to commuter permits is the identification information required on the health certificate that accompanies the commuter permit. All other requirements are still in place.
Does this agreement change the requirement for RFID/EID tags to be placed in brucellosis-vaccinated heifers or Utah trich-tested bulls at the time of vaccination or testing?
No. Federal law requires that all heifers that are vaccinated for brucellosis receive an individual official identification tag at the time of vaccination if they do not already have one. Utah state law also requires that every bull tested for trichomoniasis have an official identification tag that is listed on the test chart.
How does a veterinarian using VetCVI attach a brand inspection certificate to the health certificate?
In VetCVI, the best way to attach the brand inspection certificate is to use the Brand Image identification type and upload a picture of the brand inspection certificate.