ADVANCING ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY 

(ADT) ROAD MAP FOR NORTH CAROLINA

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

MICHAEL P MARTIN, DVM

STATE VETERINARIAN

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES 

2 WEST EDENTON STREET,

RALEIGH, NC 27602

(919) 707-3250

[SIGNATURE]

Submitted to:

LEWIS E DODDS, DVM

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR NORTH CAROLINA 

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

930 MAIN CAMPUS DRIVE, SUITE 200

RALEIGH, NC 27606

(919) 855-7600

October 20, 2022
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION............................................................................. 5

2.1 Who are we?........................................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Where are we now?............................................................................................................. 6

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment........................................... 9

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY...................... 10

3.1 Vision statement................................................................................................................ 10

3.2 Mission statement.............................................................................................................. 11

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................... 11

4.1 Strategic goal(s) ................................................................................................................ 11

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives).................................................................................... 12

4.3 Animal Disease Traceability performance measures......................................................... 15

4.4 Data requirements.............................................................................................................. 15

4.5 Information technology plan ............................................................................................. 16

4.6 Resource requirements...................................................................................................... 16

4.7 Organizational needs......................................................................................................... 17

4.7.1 Executive support .......................................................................................... 17

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures ......................................................... 17

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................. 18

4.7.4 Staffing .......................................................................................................... 18

4.7.5 Budget requirements...................................................................................... 18

4.7.6 Outreach......................................................................................................... 20

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians................................................................... 20

4.7.6.2 Slaughter Plants................................................................................ 21

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole ........................................................................... 22

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity .................................................... 22

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ........................................................................................... 23

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement.............................................................................. 23

5.2 Implementation of objectives............................................................................................ 23
3

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

North Carolina is a major agricultural state with beef cattle, pork, and the poultry 

industries being the leading animal commodities. An important element in the 

international and national marketing of these products is the capability to trace an 

animal back to its origin with the goal to safeguard animal health and public health 

using the latest technology allowing for an accurate and efficient response to a livestock 

disease event or incident of concern. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and 

Consumer Services (NCDA & CS), Veterinary Division coordinates efforts to

implement the 2013 Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Program as outlined in 9 CFR 

in the state of North Carolina. The challenge is to develop a system that meets the State

and stakeholders' needs and objectives in such a way as to be accepted by all.

Resources needed to establish, implement, and maintain an animal disease traceability 

system include personnel, educational, financial resources, hardware, and software. 

Personnel resources are necessary for regulation of the program administratively and to 

have regulatory staff implement changes in the markets; developing educational 

resources to engage stakeholders; and financial resources to fund personnel and 

educational resources as well as provide supplies, equipment, technical support, 

and other items necessary for implementation and maintenance of a functioning and 

efficient animal disease traceability system.

Achieving a workable ADT system requires stakeholder input and buy-in, cooperation 

with other states and federal partners, and state legislative action. The reality of the wide 

variety of inputs will dictate a plan based on short- and long-term goals.

North Carolina has taken efforts to advance ADT focused on promoting premises 

identification, developing a database that has traceability capacity, and education and 

outreach initiatives with stakeholders. These efforts serve as a base for developing 

further disease traceability efforts plans. The current plan is built around implementing 

programs based on achieving the performance standards, guidelines and other goals and 

objectives of the new framework for ADT, as well as updating current North Carolina 

general statutes and administrative code. Since this plan is focused on developing, 

implementing, and maintaining an animal information system within the State, all 

activities and actions summarized above will support the animal health information 

systems within the State.

The North Carolina ADT information is compatible and interoperable with other 

States/Sovereign Tribal Nations/Territories and USDA and allows sharing animal 

disease traceability data. The individual identification used is official and originates 

from legitimate premises or licensed livestock markets utilizing premises identification 

as the location identifier. The individual identification devices are unique ear tags 

identified under the Animal Identification Numbering tags (e.g., 840 and RFID tags) or 

the National Uniform Ear Tagging System (NUES) defined in 9 CFR 86.
4

The objectives of the North Carolina ADT Program are:

1. Maintain current animal disease traceability infrastructure within North Carolina.

2. Conduct outreach activities; and

3. Advance the animal disease tracing capabilities of the North Carolina Animal 

Disease Traceability Program by utilizing advanced technology capabilities and 

software, such as CVI Central, which facilitates more accurate and efficient animal 

traceability.

4. Reducing risk of spread of disease by having the ability to quickly complete 

tracebacks to determine spread and origin of disease; and

5. Honest and transparent interactions and communication with all our partners and 

stakeholders.

An important element in the marketing of beef cattle and swine is the capability to trace

an animal back to its origin, with the goal to safeguard animal health and public health 

and resulting in an efficient and accurate response to a livestock disease event or 

incident of concern.

NCDA & CS Veterinary Division promotes the traceability rule by encouraging 

livestock markets, veterinarians, swine, cattle and other livestock owners located in the 

State to participate in identification programs by:

• Registering for premises identification numbers.

• Requiring identification on swine for intrastate movement; and

• Assigning Animal Health Technician staff to support education and enforcement of 

ADT at markets, rodeos, exhibitions, etc.

The objective of the ADT program is to have epidemiological information prior to any 

disease inquiry or response need, thus supporting effective animal disease surveillance 

plans that documents disease free status.

CVI Central Costs & Benefits

Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

CVI Central 

Commissioning fee

$16,000 $0 $0

CVI Central Annual 

subscription

$37,080 $38,192 $39,338

Training (web

based)

$ 4,010 NA NA

Total Cost $57,090 $38,192 $39,338
5

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

The lead agency of the North Carolina ADT Program is the North Carolina 

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division.

External constituents include animal industry stakeholder groups (which 

includes, but is not limited to):

• Small- and large-scale producers.

• Livestock market operators.

• Licensed livestock dealers.

• Private accredited veterinary practitioners.

• County extension at both the university and local levels.

• Managers of livestock and agricultural fairs and exhibitions and shows.

• SAHOsfrom states that conduct animal movement with North Carolina.

• The Southern Animal Health Association (SAHA)

• USAHA

• USDA APHIS VS

State and federal field personnel visit 14 accredited livestock markets 

regularly on sale days for purposes of inspection and monitoring activities 

throughout the state of NC, with the exception of the Eastern Band of 

Cherokee Indians tribal lands, including verification that all livestock are 

identified according to the new traceability rule, that identification tags are 

properly placed, and that required record keeping and transmission of ID 

data is being done in timely fashion and in accordance with instructions. 

Field personnel, consisting of eleven (11) animal health technicians and four

(4) Veterinary Medical Officers, who work closely with the livestock 

markets and market veterinarians on all matters pertaining to the Federal 

traceability rule. Also, state, and federal field personnel will visit with 

accredited veterinarians and livestock producers to address ADT rules. The 

Livestock Unit director serves as the ADT Coordinator and provides 

oversight to the program.

Traceability data is used internally to traceback suspects in program disease 

efforts, federal ADT cooperative agreement exercises (including assisting 

other states conducting exercises), assist other Divisions within the NCDA 

& CS, assist industry in health and management decisions regarding their 

specific industry sector and interactions with other industry sectors, and to 

assist USDA APHIS FSIS and VS within North Carolina. Externally, 

traceability data is used to assist other states with interstate movement of 

animals, assist other states in tracebacks of program diseases that are found 

in our state, and to provide resources to national industry groups and USDA
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for use when formulating policy, developing programs, and planning

emergency response plans.

The ADT Advisory Committee consists of:

• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

• North Carolina Alpaca Breeders and Owners.

• North Carolina Aquaculture Association.

• North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs.

• North Carolina Cattlemen's Association.

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCSU & NCA&T).

• North Carolina Dairy Producers Association.

• North Carolina Deer and Elk Farmer Association.

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 

Veterinary Division.

• North Carolina Farm Bureau.

• North Carolina Horse Council.

• North Carolina Livestock Market Association.

• North Carolina Meat Goat Association.

• North Carolina Meat Processors Association.

• North Carolina Pork Council.

• North Carolina Poultry Federation.

• North Carolina Sheep Producers Association.

• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA); and 

USDA APHIS VS Area Office (AD and AIC).

The Advisory Committee meets annually and at other times as appropriate 

and necessary.

2.2 Where are we now?

Current traceability is defined in terms of accurate, efficient and successful 

tracebacks on program reportable diseases, the ability to locate specific back 

tag and individual animal ID information, the ability to locate the farm (or 

state) from where an individual animal originated, the level of individual 

animal identification on ICVIs, and the number/percentage of ICVIs that 

are approved vs. disapproved by the State Veterinarian's office. In light of 

this definition, it is apparent that the traceability system is not a standalone 

initiative but an integration of a wide range of animal health-related issues 

and programs. Successful, efficient and accurate acquisition of these ADT 

data are the standards for traceability that are currently being used.

Traceability coordination is currently achieved through routine 

communication between office and field staff, field staff and producers, 

office and field staff with industry and federal partners, and all the iterations 
7

of all these various components and other constituents and/or units.

The technology infrastructure for the cooperator's traceability system 

includes the Standard Premises Registration System (SPRS) / Standard 

Premises Identification System (SPIS) repository for national Premises 

Identification Numbering System (PINS), Animal Health Service (AHS), 

Animal Health Event Repository (DIS-AHER), SCS Core One, AHS 

cooperator's Animal Health Programs (AHP) database. The State AHP data 

base contains information on approximately 35,000 premises in the State 

that is critical to our traceability system and will continue to be so. The SPIS 

contains traceability information on approximately 19,045 premises. All 

premises that are in the SPIS are also in the AHP data base. In the event of 

an animal disease emergency and at the discretion of the North Carolina 

State Veterinarian, the AHP data would be made available to appropriate 

individuals; this access is governed by North Carolina General Statutes and 

altering that protocol is not possible without legislative action.

Coordination of animal traceability information is currently provided to 

other state and federal agencies on request. Accuracy and speed are the 

current standards of traceability. The current state of technology 

infrastructure is adequate for our traceability needs and is compatible within 

and outside of our department for the purpose of sharing data as needed. As 

mentioned previously, the purchase of the CVI Central software program 

will greatly increase the accuracy and speed of our ADT program.

Requests to the cooperator for information are routinely available Monday 

through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. The North Carolina Department of 

Agriculture and Consumer Services, Veterinary Division is an emergency 

response unit. In the event of a declared emergency the NCDA&CS 

Veterinary Division is expected to be available for 24/7 coverage, including 

providing information from the AHP database necessary for managing the 

emergency, including traceability data if needed.

Federal funding is essential for software, hardware, and personnel. State 

funds are utilized for personnel.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths of the North Carolina Animal Disease Traceability program 

are:

a. An Animal Health Program (AHP) database was developed four 

years ago as a tool that included traceability components for animal 

identification (swine), for premises identification, and additional software 

and hardware have been purchased to enhance the accuracy of animal 

traceability.

b. Personnel, both administrative and field staff, provide tremendous 
8

resources such as knowledge of programs, relationships with industry, and 

experience with response to disease outbreaks and/or eradication.

c. One full-time administrative position assigned to oversee 

import/export of animals to/from North Carolina to ensure movement 

requirements are being met and ICVIs are properly completed by accredited 

veterinarians (full-time position working with a temporary employee who 

serves as back-up for the program);

d. Mandatory individual identification for certain species (goats and 

sheep are required to participate in the Scrapie program, and swine are 

required to have ID for movement).

e. NC FarmID program to create and trace both State and national 

premises IDs; assign new tags in AIMS.

Weaknesses in North Carolina’s animal traceability program include:

a. There are limitations within the AHP regarding tracing animal 

identification numbers that other databases (e.g., Core One or USA Herds) 

have identified and corrected. Also, IT staff limitations restrict the amount 

of programming that can be accomplished per year. We are currently in the 

process of purchasing a software program, CVI Central, to improve the 

efficiency and accuracy of ADT. NC also uses USDA software for 

traceability.

b. Financial resources are not available to hire personnel for additional 

field enforcement of livestock movement regulations.

c. Reliance on utilization of a paper filing system of ADT documents 

combined with the lack of a searchable ICVI electronic database.

d. Employee turnover (specifically temporary position) impairing our 

ability to have two people effectively manage and coordinate an animal 

traceability program with the number of animals moving through North 

Carolina; and

e. A lack of a strong electronic animal identification system within its 

markets to easily capture Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 

technological enhancements (e.g., RFID scanners, electronic animal 

identification, tablet PCs at livestock markets and software purchases or 

enhancements to existing systems). Some progress has been made, 

however, opportunities remain.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

This plan offers the opportunity to increase the number of animals 

identified, present a more accurate picture of interstate movement, develop 

a more complete and extensive database of owner information, animal 

locations and inventory, trace animal identification numbers, and enhance 

the ability to respond more accurately and efficiently to animal disease or 
9

emergency events.

Without this plan, the converse of these opportunities would exist, however, 

the information necessary for response would still be required. Obtaining 

this information during an emergency response situation would be 

inefficient and ineffective, prolonging the event, increasing financial impact 

to the State and industries, and threatening continuity of business for the 

livestock and poultry sectors. Previous efforts and exercises have 

demonstrated these complications in preparedness, response, and recovery 

activities.

Industry groups have shown interest in assisting with traceability in North 

Carolina by exploring possibilities for making producer information they 

hold available in an animal disease event. The NC Cattlemen’s Association 

is a member of the Southeast Livestock Network (SELN). NCDA&CS 

Veterinary Division have also seen robust industry enrollment and 

engagement in the Secure Pork Supply Plan utilizing the RAB app housed 

at NC State. There is also active participation in Secure Milk Supply 

Program from dairies in North Carolina. The Scrapie program encourages 

traceability within the small ruminant industry in the State.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

• Human resources

o We currently have 6 office staff involved with ADT (4 full time, 1 

part time, 1 temporary employee)

o There are 4 field Veterinary Medical Officers (one currently vacant) 

and 11 Animal Health Technicians in the field that participate in 

ADT activities

• Space availability is limited

• Connectivity resources, both in office and in the field

o AWR 300 wand readers

• Access to USDA ADT and animal health information resources

o NCDA&CS has access to all USDA programs used for Animal 

Disease Traceability

• Organization of all existing paper record systems used to access ADT 

or animal health information

o CVIs – StateVet.com, paper copies are scanned and entered

o Laserfiche to store ICVIs

o The Tagging Report from livestock markets records animals tagged 

at the market destined for interstate movement

• Computerized data management capability, including present storage 

size, speed, security, etc.

o Laserfiche is inadequate and requires more data input from paper 

ICVIs
10

o CVI Central will greatly improve our ICVI accuracy and efficiency

• Automated data capture capability

o Animals tagged at the market and range of back tags used are put in 

AHP database

o Utilization of AHER

o AIMS (Animal Identification Number Management System) for 

looking up RFID tag numbers when animals move interstate

o SCS Core One for Animal Movements

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 

Veterinary Division has one full-time administrative staff that has been 

trained and dedicated to traceability efforts and two (2) part-time 

administrative staff that function as back-up and support. Four (4) field 

Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs) and eleven (11) Animal Health 

Technicians (AHTs) in the livestock section are also fully trained and 

capable to perform traceability activities. Poultry field and office staff are 

also available for back-up and support. The Directors of both the Poultry 

and Livestock Health Programs oversee and direct these activities.

Office space is available for two computer stations, and multiple filing 

cabinets and dedicated to ongoing traceability efforts. Additional office 

space requirements may be available for use but is limited due to the 

physical layout of the building. Existing office equipment for administrative 

use is greatly overtaxed, outmoded and limits effectiveness and efficiency. 

New technology will be reviewed as a possible replacement for existing 

technology as needed.

Office and field staff have direct access to the AHP database.

Administrative staff have access to and make frequent use of USDA 

databases (e.g., SCS Core One, AHER, AIMS, EMRS) and animal health 

information resources. SCS Core One is being explored to possibly replace 

some of the current AHP functions.

Records and data relative to traceability are available in electronic and paper 

record systems. Computer databases include state and federal programs 

(e.g., AHP and SCS Core One). Paper records include, and are not limited 

to, ICVIs that are maintained for two-to-five-year periods as outlined in 9 

CFR 86. The databases contain extensive data of animal agriculture-related 

information in North Carolina.

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement
11

The mission of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and 

Consumer Services Veterinary Division is to serve, protect and promote 

animal agriculture in North Carolina. The Division works diligently to 

ensure a healthy, profitable and expanding animal agriculture industry. The

Division partners with private veterinarians and livestock industries to 

provide programs aimed at preventing, controlling, and/or eradicating 

certain infectious or communicable diseases of livestock and poultry.

3.2 Mission Statement

The North Carolina ADT Program strives to be an effective disease 

surveillance program by continuing to improve every aspect of animal 

identification. The overall objective of this program in advancing animal 

disease traceability is to have accurate, searchable epidemiological 

information prior to responding to any disease inquiry or response need, and 

by so doing, support an effective animal disease surveillance plan that 

document disease-free status. This same data is essential for supporting 

interstate animal activity, as well as for planning continuity of operations.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

North Carolina seeks to advance ADT to ensure that State Animal Health 

Officials (SAHOs) can promptly determine the origin of any reportable 

disease affected or exposed animal in North Carolina, or to promptly trace 

animals moved into North Carolina from another state. Should a 

determination be made that the animal did not originate in North Carolina, 

SAHOs should be able to determine the state of animal origin - the animal’s 

state of birth or the state of initial tagging of the animal, if the two are not 

the same. North Carolina ADT should also be able to determine the identity 

and location of other North Carolina animals potentially exposed to an 

affected animal. Traceability activities are time-sensitive and should be 

accomplished as quickly as practical and appropriate for the disease of 

concern.

Guiding Principles

• Enhancing electronic sharing of data among Federal and State Animal 

Health Officials, veterinarians, and industry; including sharing basic 

ADT data with the Federal Animal Health Events Repository (AHER).

• North Carolina continues to promote the use of RFID tags through the 

Breeding Heifer Replacement Program which requires individual 

identification in order to make the transmission of data more efficient, 

enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter through a
12

system that allows tracking data points to be connected; and

• North Carolina has made progress in increasing the number of 

electronic animal health certificates (eCVIs). North Carolina is also 

currently incorporating a new software program, CVI Central-an 

advanced traceability platform, to minimize errors and maximize 

efficiency in tracking inter- and intrastate movements of animals, as 

well as facilitate receipt of health certificates electronically from 

private veterinarians to SAHOs.

• Maintaining a statewide infrastructure for advancing animal disease 

traceability compatible with State, Sovereign Tribal Nation, Territory 

and USDA standards.

Livestock producers are the most important members of the animal 

agriculture industry. Numerous industry groups, government organizations 

and academia support the producers. The North Carolina Department of 

Agriculture and Consumer Services, which includes research stations 

throughout the state, North Carolina Farm Bureau, North Carolina 

Cattlemen’s Association, North Carolina Horse Council, North Carolina 

Pork Council, North Carolina Poultry Federation, and many other 

organizations seek to defend the interests of our producers and to preserve 

and extend markets for North Carolina agricultural products. North 

Carolina State University Extension Services provide education and support 

for producers to apply the latest scientific advancements in production.

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

The overall objective of the North Carolina ADT program is to have 

accurate, searchable epidemiological information prior to responding to any 

disease inquiry or response need. This information supports an effective 

animal disease surveillance plan that document disease-free status, which is 

essential for supporting interstate animal activity and for planning business 

continuity of operations.

Objective 1: Maintain and Improve Current Animal Disease Traceability 

Infrastructure within North Carolina.

Animal identification of cattle is performed by livestock market personnel, 

state animal health technicians, and livestock market veterinarians. The 

NCDA & CS Veterinary Division provides field support for livestock 

markets to facilitate implementation of the ADT program. The livestock 

market veterinarian and/or market personnel apply official 840 RFID tags 

or official NUES metal tags, and USDA approved back-tags, to cattle over 

18 months of age. The livestock market or field staff will then submit the 

official identification numbers linked to the corresponding back-tags to the 
13

NCDA & CS office where the data is then transferred to the AHP, SCS 

Core One and/or AIMS databases.

The additional accessibility and use of scanners for electronic identification 

would further increase the accuracy and efficiency of information transfer. 

NCDA & CS will engage with external stakeholders to continue to develop 

a successful program.

NCDA&CS Veterinary Division office staff will continue to receive, track 

and monitor ICVI information, and convert paper ICVIs into digital format 

for storage. Staff will also continue to use the recurrent USDA exercises to 

objectively assess and monitor traceability performance standards and help 

identify any potential areas for improvement. The purchase and 

implementation of the CVI Central program will greatly increase accuracy 

and reliability of our ADT programs.

In addition to activities performed directly by NCDA&CS employees, 

accredited livestock veterinarians and producers have also been encouraged 

to participate in the animal identification program. Participating producers 

and veterinarians are utilizing NUES ear tags to identify cattle, swine, goats 

and sheep (via Scrapie tags). This program requires that participating herds 

have a premises identification number. Identification data is entered directly 

into the North Carolina AHP or SCS Core One by NCDA&CS staff. The 

Veterinary Division staff will continue to do this while also investigating 

other potentially superior methods of online data entry from veterinarians 

or livestock markets.

North Carolina producers and veterinarians can obtain official NUES tags 

and tag applicators through NCDA & CS Veterinary Division. The Division 

will continue to monitor the successes and challenges of this tag distribution 

system and will review and implement changes as necessary to improve 

efficiency.

Objective 2: Conduct outreach activities.

NCDA & CS Veterinary Division will continue to identify, develop, and 

implement outreach messaging for producers, accredited veterinarians, 

livestock markets, harvest facilities and other industry shareholders to 

obtain input, buy-in and support for traceability programs.

In addition to the routine visits to sales at livestock markets, NCDA&CS 

Veterinary Division staff have opportunities for ADT program outreach as 

part of their professional interactions with food animal veterinary 

practitioners, extension offices, livestock associations, etc. Outreach 

activities may consist of, but are not limited to, personal communication or 
14

training, as well as the creation and distribution of educational materials. At 

the statewide and regional levels, Division personnel may conduct outreach 

activities through participation in state and regional industry and veterinary

organization events, as well as other agriculture-oriented county, and state 

fairs and events.

Objective 3: Advance the animal disease tracing capability of the North 

Carolina Animal Disease Traceability Program.

The main goal of the NCDA&CS Veterinary Division ADT program is to 

increase the amount and accuracy of traceability data collected at the field 

and office level. This is best accomplished by developing methods to 

voluntarily increase the usage of electronic identification tags by livestock 

markets and producers. In addition, the electronic submission of official 

identification numbers matched with backtags from livestock markets to our 

ADT databases at the Division will further facilitate a greater volume and 

improved accuracy of traceability data. Further progress with the ADT 

program may be accomplished by developing agreements for use of stateowned equipment at markets for use in capturing and transferring 

traceability data to the State. Options will be explored for allowing 

veterinarians and livestock markets online access to databases, 

spreadsheets, or other methods to allow direct and secure entry of animal 

identification information.

In addition to electronic animal identification traceability data, the 

NCDA&CS Veterinary Division continues to work on plans to promote the 

increase in the use of electronic certificates of veterinary inspection (eCVIs) 

by veterinarians within the state through the use of Veterinary Services 

Process Streamlining (VSPS), or other third-party software programs, such 

as GlobalVetLink. The purchase and implementation of the CVI Central 

program and software will facilitate the more accurate and efficient 

conversion and storage of paper ICVIs to a searchable, electronic ADT 

program database.

The program will continue to assess current regulatory authority given by 

the legislative body, and request adoption of appropriated regulations as 

required to support the ADT traceability program.

To achieve the proposed ADT program goals, NCDA&CS Veterinary 

Division must have engagement and support from all relevant external

stakeholder groups in order to achieve. The Division will continue to 

prioritize outreach and collaboration will all applicable organizations.
15

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

North Carolina’s Trace Performance Measure (TPM)

Rating Time for the 2020 and 2021 Cooperative 

Agreement Period:

TPM

2020 Avg. Elapsed 

Time (Hrs.)

2021 Avg. Elapsed 

Time (Hrs.)

USDA

Rating

TPM 1 0.38 0.48 Completed

successfully

TPM 2 0.41 1.29 Completed

successfully

TPM 3 0.36 0.69 Completed

successfully

TPM 4 0.66 1.57 Completed

successfully

TPMs are indicative of the response time that it takes to trace an 

animal/animals’ origin. This encompasses tracking animal identification, 

premises identification, animal movement and dealer records, as well as 

permits for livestock markets, events and sales. North Carolina will 

continue to support and monitor these essential processes as important 

indicators of the overall success of traceability in North Carolina.

If USDA amends the performance measures during this time frame, North 

Carolina will modify to remain compliant.

4.4 Data requirements

Most of the traceability information is provided on ICVIs. This information 

includes premises, official animal ID, as well as origin and destination 

contact information. In addition, the cooperator has worked continually 

since before the inception of the various national animal identification and

traceability systems to establish state and federal premises identification

systems. National PINs have been entered in the SPRS/ SPIS and managed

through use of the AIN management system; there are around 13,500 such 

identified premises in North Carolina. State premises identification began

earlier and has around 35,000 premisesidentified.Both state and national ID 

numbers are contained and cross-referenced in the AHP database.

Official animal identification will be in accordance with 9 CFR and include 

AIN tags (840 and RFID), NUES tags, microchips, Scrapie tags, etc., with 

the type of official tag often being species specific. Currently there are no 

arrangements with other states for other means of official animal 

identification beyond 9 CFR standards. Official AIN and NUES (metal ear 
16

tags) and RFID/840 will be distributed by the state directly to producers

and livestock market operators as well as to accredited veterinarians. A 

federal and/or state premises number will be required to assign tags and 

distribute them to an owner. The owner information and the tag numbers

assigned to that individual will be kept in the AHP database and/or SCS Core 

One and can be queried for reports and retrieved for traceability 

requirements.

At this time North Carolina a has limited number of commuter herd 

agreements. Pending final disposition of animals, ICVIs and Owner Shipper 

Statements (OSS) are the only forms that are approved for interstate 

movement of animals. Group/lot official numbers are already maintained 

on official ICVIs, and this is anticipated to continue.

Traceability data will be shared with other States/Sovereign 

Nations/Territories/USDA upon request and approval by the North Carolina 

State Veterinarian. Confidentiality statute (G.S. 106-24.1) prevents 

releasing this information except upon approval by the State Veterinarian in 

the event of an emergency response. Both electronic and hard copies could 

be made available under this approval process.

4.5 Information technology plan

North Carolina’s information technology plan is based on continued 

utilization of the AHP database or SCS Core One for routine management 

of animal health within the state, program disease efforts, and response to 

emergency animal health event; animal traceability is a component of all of 

these activities. The AHP data base is housed on a Sequel server platform 

at the NCDA & CS and is part of the Multi-Hazard Threat Database 

(MHTD) which serves the entire Department in emergency response 

situations. In addition, The NCDA & CS has adequate backup and security 

in place for this system. North Carolina has recently purchased a new 

traceability program software, CVI Central, to improve the accuracy and 

efficiency of our ADT program. Data collection on animals is critical at 

each significant animal-life event: tagging, movement, and harvest. This 

data collection depends upon the cooperation of producers, markets, 

dealers, laboratories, slaughter facilities, etc.

4.6 Resource requirements

Continued federal infrastructure development and support is required for 

success of the ADT program. This may include anything from continued 

financial aid for EID reading equipment and EID tags, to developing or 

modifying Veterinary Services Processes Streamlining to allow capture and 

reporting of EIDs at markets or by accredited veterinarians.
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4.7 Organizational needs

4.7.1 Executive support

The ADT program has the full support of the North Carolina State 

Veterinarian’s office, Assistant Commissioner, and Commissioner 

of Agriculture. The ADT program is recognized for its importance 

in international and national trade. The baseline measures captured 

for ADT reviews are listed in the “Current Status” of traceability 

portion of this Road Map and include monitoring the number of 

ICVIs vs. eCVIs issued for imports and exports each quarter, as well 

as EIDs issued by the State through the USDA breeding replacement 

RFID program.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

North Carolina’s ADT advisory group includes NCDA&CS, USDA 

APHIS, producers and industry representatives, NC State University 

Cooperative Extension, and other governmental agencies. Meetings 

with this advisory group are scheduled annually, or on an as-needed 

basis.

Emergency preparedness and response is an on-going function of 

the Emergency Programs and Veterinary Divisions of the 

NCDA&CS. The Veterinary Division is an integral part of regular 

planning and training exercises with regards to this ESF-11 function. 

Other States/Sovereign Nation/Territories/USDA are included in 

these trainings and exercises to insure compatibility and uniformity 

between these agencies and units.

For emergency preparedness, NCDA&CS participates on several 

committees addressing questions surrounding ADT during 

emergency disease events (e.g., animal identification, premises 

identification, movement zones, etc.). Participation includes the 

National Assembly’s African Swine Fever working group, the 

Southern Agriculture and Animal Disaster Response Alliance 

(SAADRA) as well as participate in TPM exercises.

Disputes are handled via the chain of command until a resolution is 

achieved. Feedback from producers, livestock market operators and 

other livestock and poultry industry groups will be sought out and 

encouraged, and this input will be a top priority throughout the 

administration of this program. Any change in administrative 

personnel will be handled according to state personnel policy.
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4.7.3 Policy

State general statute and codes of regulations align with ADT 

general standards. Additional federal changes are needed to 

implement true ADT using official EID tags within 9 CFR 86 and 

are encouraged to standardize to all species including replacing or 

incorporating the Scrapie tag program into the ADT program.

4.7.4 Staffing

All full-time staff are compensated through state-appropriated 

programs. These salaries are considered in-kind contribution by the 

cooperator toward achieving the goals and objectives of the 

traceability cooperative agreements. As such, these full-time 

personnel meet state- mandated justifications and qualifications with

clearly defined job descriptions approved by the Office of State 

Personnel. The Traceability (NCFarmID) Section of the Veterinary 

Division, NCDA & CS (the cooperator) is staffed by two full-time 

state appropriated employees and one, part-time federally funded 

employee who devotes approximated one-fourth of their time to the 

traceability work plan goals. Other Livestock Section staff in the 

Veterinary Division also make themselves available when necessary 

and requested by the Director of Livestock Health Programs. In a 

livestock emergency event, the Poultry Section would support the 

Traceability and Livestock Sections. Thus, the Traceability Section 

works in a coordinated fashion with others within the Veterinary 

Division. Additional information can be found under “Inventory of 

Existing Infrastructure and Suitability Assessment.”

4.7.5 Budget requirements

Funding for animal disease traceability efforts is provided by both 

federal funding through cooperative agreements and state 

appropriated funds. Additional projects may receive funding 

through other division budgets. If budget shortfalls and cuts occur, 

the cooperator will make necessary adjustments in plans so that 

resources are allocated according to priorities.

Funding for various projects will be fluid over the years with 

priorities based on external stakeholder buy-in, legislative updates 

in current North Carolina law, and technological updates for field 

staff and livestock units, etc.

Currently, there are three systems of electronic identification (EID) 

available:
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1. Low frequency (LF) identification tags

2. Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) identification tags

3. Microchips

The low frequency tags are the most common and popular form of 

EID tags available for use in multiple species today. The system has 

both portable and permanent equipment that can be used in various 

environments for tracing animals. The drawback with the LF system 

is the short-range distance the tags transmit to readers which 

somewhat limits its usefulness to producers for functions other than 

identifying animals. USDA has recently approved the use of UHF 

animal identification tags that have been successfully tested in 

various scenarios in a number of states through cooperative 

agreement funding. These tags and the portable as well as panel 

readers are available for purchase. In addition, UHF animal 

identification numbers are now recognized as official tags. As this 

is new technology, there are fewer states and producers using it at 

this time. What is more promising about this technology is the 

greater distance the tags transmit to portable or permanent readers 

and the likelihood that they will offer producers greater usefulness 

outside of only being used for animal identification. We appear to 

be heading into a transition period where technology may switch 

from one format to the other.

One of the major expenses for the requested ADT planning budget 

over the proposed period of this road map will be to develop a usable 

EID tracing system within the State of North Carolina. This will 

need to be a well thought out process we are currently in a phase of 

technological transition. Purchases with budgeted funding from the 

cooperative agreement may include (and is not limited to) Low 

Frequency and Ultra High Frequency handheld or panel EID readers 

that can be used by field staff within the division or can be loaned to 

markets through memorandums of understanding between the State 

and market; software and hardware for the information scanned by

handhelds or panels to be linked into databases for more accurate 

recording and tracking; electronic animal identification number ear

tagsthat can be distributed to markets, variouslivestock groups (such 

as extension) that will promote the use of EID in animals for 

traceability within the state; etc.

Additional budgeting considerations will need to be given to include 

transitioning from a paper filing retrieval system to an electronic, 

searchable database for certificates of veterinary inspection, which 

is our goal with the purchase of CVI central. Continued federal 

financial support is important to continue to promote a national 

program.
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4.7.6 Outreach

One of the main objectives of the North Carolina ADT Program is 

to conduct outreach activities to producers, accredited veterinarians, 

livestock markets, harvest facilities and other industry shareholders. 

In addition to the weekly visits to sales at livestock markets, field 

staff also participate in various opportunities for program outreach 

through their contacts with food animal veterinary practitioners, 

feed stores in conjunction with programs offered by the Food and 

Drug Protection Division, livestock and poultry associations, and 

extension offices. General outreach activities consist of personal 

contact, verbal communications and distributing printed educational 

materials. At the statewide and regional levels, staff personal 

conducts outreach activities through participation in statewide and 

regional industry and veterinary organizations.

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

Accredited veterinarians constitute the backbone of 

animal identification efforts by being the main 

connection to livestock and poultry producers and 

program disease eradication efforts such as TB and 

Brucellosis. The cooperator will engage accredited 

veterinarians at every opportunity, such as local and 

state meetings, offer teleconferences to veterinarians 

and their office staff, industry settings where they are 

present, and mass mailings of educational/outreach 

materials regarding the new traceability framework. 

Continued outreach to accredited veterinarians 

advancing the use of eCVIs, promoting EID usage, 

traceability program education, proper ICVI 

completion refresher trainings and official tag 

inventory and reporting procedures. Outreach is 

made through (and not limited to) direct contact, 

emails or paper mail, social media, website, and 

through state veterinary medical and livestock 

association meetings. The use of eCVIs is being 

facilitated by the recent purchase of the CVI Central 

Program. This program will increase traceability 

efficiency and accuracy. North Carolina fully 

supports the use of eCVIs. During this period of the 

Roadmap, NCDA & CS will also encourage the use 

of third party federal and commercial eCVIs such as 

USDA’s VSPS, GlobalVetLink, etc. The Division 

will continue to encourage greater use of these 

systems for easier and more accurate transfer of
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information into electronic databases. All electronic 

formats explored must be consistent with USDA 

requirements for data transfer. The Veterinary 

Division will also continue to work with accredited 

veterinarians and producers to distribute the free tags 

issued to the state associated with USDA breeding 

replacement RFID tag program.

Additionally, the NCDA & CS Veterinary Division 

works with the district USDA VS office in annual 

Core accreditation training for new graduate 

veterinarians, as well as those who have recently 

moved to the state. This day-long training is another 

opportunity to educate and raise awareness of animal 

disease traceability and issues directly related, such 

as following standard procedures and requirements 

for ICVIs, the availability and use of eCVIs, and the 

role of accredited veterinarians in distributing 

official animal identification to producers. The 

NCDA&CS Veterinary Division also utilizes USDA 

funds to sponsor a USDA booth at the NCVC (North 

Carolina Veterinary Conference) in Raleigh each 

November.

With the focus of developing a stronger, voluntary 

electronic animal identification program over the 

next period of this road map, veterinarians will be 

encouraged to utilize permanent type ear-tags, such 

as the 840 RFID tags, to identify cattle for their 

clients. The accredited veterinarian receives an 

incentive for promoting and performing animal 

identification in his/her practice area. Participating 

cattlemen are required to have a premises ID, along 

with a physical farm address, in order to participate 

in the program. Identification data is entered directly 

into the North Carolina AHP or SCS Core One.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

NCDA&CS is home to the North Carolina Meat and 

Poultry Inspection Division and has a good history of 

working relationships with state inspected and 

crossover plants. USDA VS North Carolina office 

has relationships with the federally inspected plants. 

Communication channels exist to request and access 
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records from plants. During the Road Map’s

operational period, NCDA&CS will communicate 

with slaughter plants to listen and address their 

concerns as able.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

USDA APHIS VS has been conducting a dialogue 

with state animal health officials, producers, and 

other industry representatives about the potential 

next steps nationally for ADT, especially in cattle. 

North Carolina participates in these discussions and 

keeps our stakeholders informed. In North Carolina, 

we have seen significant progress in our ability to 

trace livestock and poultry more effectively and 

efficiently as described earlier in this plan. The 

traceability program is essential to safeguarding the 

health and economic well-being of the livestock 

industry.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

Animal movements, numbers of shipments, and number of ICVIs for both 

imports and exports are currently being monitored by the Livestock Unit 

Coordinator and ADT staff. Increased scrutiny for accuracy, legibility, 

official animal identification, correct address of consignor and consignee 

and other items that are currently required under 9 CFR 86 will continue. 

Traceability data is available by species, state of origin, date of shipment, 

as well as other parameters. Quarterly accomplishment reports capture and 

report required traceability data to USDA.

The new traceability framework is focused on interstate movement and the 

accompanying ICVI or similar documentation for that movement.

The following data will be submitted quarterly reports spreadsheets 

provided by USDA:

• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents created 

within the State/Sovereign Tribal Nation/Territory on a year-to-date basis 

for move-out animals.

• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents 

received for move-in animals.
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• Number of animals by species and class for move-in events 

associated with ICVIs and other interstate movement documents, indicating 

the number of animals officially identified and the number not officially 

identified.

• Number of animals by species and class for move-out events 

associated with ICVIs and other interstate movement documents, indicating 

the number of animals officially identified and the number not officially 

identified; and

• Volume of distribution for each official numbering system/device 

issued by the State/Sovereign Tribal Nation/Territory and/or AD office, 

including backtags by market or processing (slaughter) facility.

The traceability framework is focused on interstate movement and the 

accompanying ICVI or similar documentation for that movement.

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

Moving forward, development and implementation of a cost-sharing or 

other infrastructure development financial aid support program that 

minimizes the financial impact of the cost of infrastructure to read EIDs and 

the cost of switching to only EIDs as official identification for cattle and 

other livestock species is important. We have concerns about the impact that 

expansion of individual ID requirement to feeder cattle may have on speed 

of commerce in our markets and elsewhere, one of our core principles. This 

strategic plan will be revisited and adjusted as appropriate should USDA 

APHIS VS reach a final decision or publish a new rule because of the 

current dialogues.

5.2 Implementation of objectives

Maintain current traceability infrastructure: premises registrations 

(including managing exceptions), traceability web page, coordinating 

steering committee, data entry from paper ICVIs to make information 

electronically accessible, education and outreach activities. This will 

require Federal funding, including personnel at 0.5 FTE.

Continue outreach to accredited veterinarians: advancing the use of ECVIs, 

promoting EID usage, traceability program education, proper CVI 

completion refresher trainings and official tag inventory and reporting 

procedures. This will require Federal funding for travel.
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Continued NCDA&CS Veterinary Division compliance with current North 

Carolina laws and regulations regarding the use of Animal Disease 

Traceability Data. No Federal funding required.

Continue to encourage use of alternative methods to document actual 

interstate livestock movements and increase the use of electronic ICVIs. 

This will require Federal funding for personnel at 0.5 FTE.

Continue to educate producers on advancing use of animal

identification for management and marketability. No Federal funding 

required.

Continue to adapt tag inventory system for visual official ID and EIDs, and 

plan to provide financial assistance for infrastructure required to read EIDs 

in commerce and for purchase of EIDs as those resources become available. 

Federal funding required.

Continued participation in USDA-directed national and state trace 

performance measure (TPM) exercise(s) throughout the region. Supports 

USDA developing new exercises to test traceability standards. Federal 

funding for personnel at 0.5 FTE.

Continue to educate producers and stakeholders on consequences to the 

State for failure to comply with animal disease traceability regulations. No 

Federal funding required.

Seek harmonization of interstate movement regulations for movement of 

swine with other states. No Federal funding required.

Record individual AIN for cattle from paper ICVIs. Federal funding is 

required for the purchase and maintenance of this CVI Central software.

Each of the objectives and projects will evaluated on an annual basis to 

prioritize and modify accordingly to meet the state plan. Additional funding 

requests will be made accordingly based on interest of markets to increase 

electronic animal identification.