ADVANCING ANIMAL DISEASE 

TRACEABILITY

ROAD MAP FOR

OKLAHOMA

A Three-Year Plan

Fiscal Years: 2022-2024

Submitted by:

ALICIA GORCZYCA-SOUTHERLAND, DVM

ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY VETERINARIAN

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, & FORESTRY

2800 N LINCOLN BLVD

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73105

(405) 522-6136

SIGNATURE ___________________________________________________________________

Submitted to:

BECKY BREWER-WALKER, DVM

AREA VETERINARIAN IN CHARGE FOR OKLAHOMA AND 

ARKANSAS

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1200 Cherry Brook Dr. Suite 300

Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
2

Table of Contents

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

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION........................................................................................3

2.1 Who are we?..................................................................................................................................................3

2.2 Where are we now?....................................................................................................................................4

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................................................8

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

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment....................................8

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY............................................9

3.1 Vision Statement...............................................................................................................9

3.2 Mission Statement...............................................................................................................9

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................9

4.1 Strategic goal(s).................................................................................................................9

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives)..................................................................................9

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures.......................................................9

4.4 Data requirements.............................................................................................................9

4.5 Information technology plan..........................................................................................10

4.6 Resource requirements...................................................................................................10

4.7 Organizational needs.......................................................................................................10

4.7.1 Executive support.............................................................................................11

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures..........................................................11

4.7.3 Policy..................................................................................................................11

4.7.4 Staffing................................................................................................................11

4.7.5 Budget requirements........................................................................................11

4.7.6 Outreach............................................................................................................11

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians...................................................................11

4.7.6.2 Livestock markets..............................................................................12

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole............................................................................12

4.8 Compliance and Enforcement of traceability regulations............................................12

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION........................................................................................13

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement.........................................................................13

5.2 Implementation of objectives........................................................................................13
3

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The fundamental problem this plan addresses is the need to improve the ability to trace 

livestock moving interstate and for the corresponding data to be obtained and recorded in 

a searchable, shareable electronic format as efficiently as possible. The Oklahoma 

Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Animal Industry Service (ODAFF AIS)

is committed to advancing animal disease traceability efforts within the state as well as 

regionally by aligning our traceability objectives to mirror the overarching goals 

established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This includes 

advancing the electronic sharing of data among federal and state animal health officials, 

veterinarians, and industry by sharing basic traceability data with the federal animal 

health events repository (AHER), promoting and assisting with the transition of 

mandatory electronic identification for animals requiring individual official 

identification, exploring the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter through a 

system that allows for tracking data points to be connected, and by encouraging the use 

of electronic interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection by accredited veterinarians. 

The key elements of this plan include: traceability performance measures, administration 

of official identification devices, information sharing, electronic records, outreach and 

communication, and compliance and enforcement of traceability regulations. The 

primary benefits of a robust Animal Disease Traceability system in Oklahoma is the 

ability to efficiently and effectively track livestock during disease investigations. The 

disease threat can be mitigated when control measures are rapidly implemented due to

infected or exposed animals being quickly located. These measures protect the vital 

animal agriculture industry within the state and allows for continuity of business which 

minimizes the economic impact during a disease response. Our plan builds upon 

previous efforts to advance animal disease traceability by incorporating successful 

existing methods and finding new innovated ways to accomplish our goals. For example, 

ODAFF AIS developed a successful state wide pilot project to increase the capture of 

official identification of cattle at livestock markets. We have also participated in National 

pilot projects to determine the feasibility of new technology methodologies by 

integrating the varied cattle industry sectors into these projects. Ultimately to have an 

effective traceability system in Oklahoma we will work with our producers, industry, 

accredited veterinarians, and USDA APHIS VS to build the infrastructure and 

framework necessary to propel us forward. This plan identifies our overall goals and 

objectives, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and outlines tasks that need to be 

accomplished during the timeline for implementation FY 2022-2024. Oklahoma 

Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Animal Industry Services is dedicated to 

doing the best job possible with whatever amounts are allotted for this plan.

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

This roadmap is prepared and will be implemented by Oklahoma Department of 

Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Animal Industry Services (ODAFF AIS). ODAFF AIS 

serves the livestock producers of Oklahoma and our mission is to protect the herds and 

flocks from incursion of disease. Traceability data is used by ODAFF AIS for disease 

traces, FDA tissue residue investigations when requested, lost and stolen animal

inquiries, and all hazards events like natural disasters. The values guiding the animal 
4

disease traceability system in Oklahoma include industry protection and the maintenance 

of animal movement and commerce. The Oklahoma animal disease traceability advisory 

group represents the multiple facets of the Oklahoma livestock industry. As the efforts of 

traceability move to mandatory electronic identification of cattle requiring official 

identification in the near future, the advisory group will begin to meet regularly to 

discuss the best way to transition industry in Oklahoma to accommodate electronic 

identification (EID). The advisory group includes representatives from, but is not limited 

to:

 Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture

 Oklahoma State Veterinarian

 USDA APHIS VS Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC)

 Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association

 Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service

 Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Science

 Oklahoma Farm Bureau

 Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association

 Oklahoma Livestock Marketing Association

 Oklahoma Pork Council

 American Farmers and Ranchers

 Oklahoma White Tail Deer Farmers Association

2.2 Where are we now?

In Oklahoma, traceability is defined as the cross-cutting component of all animal and 

disease programs which aids in locating and identifying individual animals, their 

previous locations, and any exposed animals. 

2.2.1 Traceability Performance Measures (TPMs)

Currently, traceability proficiency is measured by the four trace performance measures 

(TPMs) defined by USDA APHIS VS. These TPMs have been established as one 

method to measure and document progress. Because of the unique location of Oklahoma, 

we are at a crossroads agriculturally speaking. Abundant numbers of cattle are moved 

interstate into our livestock markets and this allows us ample opportunity to perform 

traces. ODAFF AIS will utilize National Priority Traces (NPT) initiated by National 

Traceability Staff to achieve the assigned number of TPMs. We will continue to use

actual traces for either disease, disaster, or theft to help strengthen our response 

capability. NPT will be reported within the TPM utility provided in the Emergency 

Management Response System 2. Traces completed for the four trace performance 

measures thus far have been adequate. However, corrective action will be initiated if an 

elapsed time for any TPM successfully completed falls within an unacceptable rating. 

2.2.2 Information Sharing and Electronic Records

ODAFF AIS’s information system being used to support traceability efforts is being 

coordinated through USAHerds software. This software has been utilized since June 

2011 and is currently being used by 17 other states in the nation. Enhancements to this 

software occur yearly and is a collaborative effort amongst all partner states. This allows 

for improvements in data standardization (such as the ability to receive the USAHA 
5

standard eCVI XML message) and allows for the development of integration or 

communication into other systems to enhance sharing of vital data. Requests for 

information are available Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. There is no specific 

funding for animal disease traceability through state appropriations; non-federal funds 

come directly from ODAFF’s general fund. Without federal assistance, this program

would be restrained and would require prioritization of certain traceability aspects. This 

application runs on 2 servers; one is the application server and one is the database 

server. These server are regularly updated and backed up for continuous availability.

Upgrades to Servers and Operating System software occur as needed or as technology 

changes. Data can be shared within and outside the agency in multiple formats in

reasonable amounts of time. An overview of ODAFF AIS’s current traceability 

technology infrastructure is outlined below:

 USAHerds – used by Program Veterinarians and Administrative Assistants as a 

database for bovine, swine, and cervidae disease monitoring programs. Used for 

licensing of farmed cervidae, aquaculture, and feral swine handling facilities. 

Used for allocation of both PINs and location identifiers (LIDs). All VS Form 4-

54, VS Form 4-26, VS Form 6-22, and VS Form 4-33 data is uploaded into 

USAHerds. Currently, electronic CVIs that meet the USAHA xml data schema 

are uploaded into the system and in some cases automatically upon issuance

(GlobalVetLINK, AgMove). ODAFF AIS utilizes a complementary software to 

USAHerds called CIVET that allows us to process paper CVIs more rapidly.

Entry of Import CVIs with official identification are a priority over CVIs with no 

official identification. ODAFF AIS’s future goal is to utilize USAHerds to its full 

potential which would include entering all aspects of the poultry disease 

monitoring program, and capturing all CVI (paper and electronic) data into the 

application.

 Livestock Market Data Integration 

o In Oklahoma, all sexually intact cattle 18 months of age or older moving 

through livestock markets must have official identification recorded and 

reported to ODAFF AIS on a VS Form 4-54 (no brucellosis test required). 

This identification is then input into USAHerds. In the past, when this data 

was received on paper VS Form 4-54 it was manually entered by 

temporary data entry clerks which resulted in a high number of clerical 

errors due to illegible handwriting and incomplete or missing official 

identification numbers. To combat this obstacle, ODAFF AIS developed a 

pilot project and provided surplus laptops to livestock markets with a 

Microsoft Access Database Livestock Market 4-54 file designed to capture 

specific data points at the livestock market. This file was then converted 

into a csv file and uploaded with minimal effort into USAHerds. 

Concurrently, there were livestock markets employing Barnsoft livestock 

market management software which allowed the submittal of 4-54 data 

electronically. Active promotion of the project enabled more than 12

livestock markets to begin utilizing the laptop and database. These 12

livestock markets and the livestock markets utilizing Barnsoft receive over 
6

80% of all cattle sold. This enabled ODAFF AIS to capture the official 

identification electronically into USAHerds minimizing clerical errors and 

improving the traceability of animals moving through livestock markets. 

o With support from industry, ODAFF AIS passed a new rule requiring VS 

Form 4-54 data to be recorded and submitted electronically. Since 

November 1, 2018, cattle requiring official identification moving through 

livestock markets in Oklahoma must have identification recorded and 

submitted electronically to ODAFF AIS. It is the Market Veterinarian of 

Record’s responsibility to record and submit this information 

electronically. To mitigate the transition, surplus laptops were 

disseminated to livestock markets that were not currently participating in 

the pilot project on a one-time basis with a Microsoft Access Database 

Livestock Market 4-54 file installed. ODAFF AIS is not responsible for 

maintaining the surplus laptop and Market Veterinarians are encouraged to 

purchase their own equipment. ODAFF AIS also encourages the 

utilization of an Excel spreadsheet that can be provided to record and 

submit official identification electronically. This data is then uploaded 

into USAHerds. Temporary data entry personnel once needed for entry of 

paper 4-54s have now been tasked other ADT data priorities.

o A future goal for ODAFF AIS is to work with producers and industry to 

develop a plan for building the infrastructure necessary in order for 

accredited veterinarians, official tagging sites, and livestock markets to 

capture electronic identification and still maintain speed of commerce in 

anticipation of the implementation of radio frequency identification 

(RFID) electronic identification for certain classes of cattle in the near 

future. As this requirement only impacts breeding cattle over 18 months of 

age, infrastructure needs should be minimal for the portion of the industry 

it would directly affect. However, ODAFF AIS would like to reduce the 

burden on this sector by proposing goals and objectives that would include 

supplying the necessary equipment to livestock markets and to Category 2 

accredited veterinarians who practice predominately large animal 

veterinary medicine and whose clientele includes rural Oklahoma

livestock producers. This equipment would need to incorporate RFID 

technology that can integrate with the USDA Animal Health Services 

mobile application that can be used for disease testing, can integrate with 

electronic interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, can capture lowfrequency RFID tags along with other data points with the ultimate goal of 

developing electronic records that can converted into a format that allows 

for the data to be input into USAHerds and other databases like AHER as 

needed. ODAFF AIS has applied for and received ADT supplemental 

funding to purchase low frequency RFID wands. For FY19-20, the focus 

was to build the infrastructure at cattle livestock markets and 35 wands 

were purchased for this purpose. For FY21, the focus was to build 

infrastructure for accredited veterinarians, Oklahoma State University 

Extension, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the veterinary 

technician colleges in the state. We anticipate being able to provide 35 low 
7

frequency RFID wands for this purpose. ODAFF AIS will continue to 

utilize personnel to provide technical support, training, and 

demonstrations.

 Cattle Trace ADT Pilot Project partner

o Beginning in FY 2019, ODAFF AIS has become a partner state for Cattle 

Trace, the industry-driven pilot project for animal disease traceability. 2 

participating livestock markets in Oklahoma will be outfitted with Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) RFID equipment. A cow/calf producer will be 

recruited to tag livestock with UHF tags prior to movement to the above 

mentioned livestock markets. Tracking data points will be maintained by 

Cattle Trace. 

 ODAFF AIS Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) Database

o Oklahoma CVIs (Oklahoma exports and intrastate movements) are 

scanned and filed by month and state of destination. These CVIs can be 

electronically queried by certificate number, species, state and month. 

Copies are emailed to the state of destination within 7 days of receipt.

o Out of state CVIs (Oklahoma imports) are scanned and filed by month and 

species. These CVIs can be electronically queried by species, state, and 

month. ODAFF AIS utilizes a complementary software to USAHerds

called CIVET that allows for a more efficient way to upload paper CVIs

into an electronic format. Currently, entry of Import CVIs with official 

identification are a priority over Import CVIs with no official 

identification.

o Electronic CVIs that adhere to the USAHA eCVI xml schema are the 

preferred record to capture interstate movement of livestock as this data 

integrates into USAHerds seamlessly. This data is searchable, shareable, 

and captures official identification. In order to increase the amount of 

eCVIs being used by OK accredited veterinarians, ODAFF AIS has 

provided demonstrations of eCVIs, participated in eCVI pilot projects like 

the successful IIAD iCVI mobile app, and increased the price of a pad of 

paper CVIs over the last several years. 

o Beginning in 2022, ODAFF AIS will offer VetCVI to accredited 

veterinarians. This eCVI platform was developed by USAHerds user states 

to be offered to their accredited veterinarians. This eCVI will allow for 

automatic submission of eCVIs into USAHerds and will be provided free 

of charge to Oklahoma accredited veterinarians. When VetCVI has been 

successfully adopted, ODAFF AIS will discontinue printing and offer for 

sale paper CVIs.

 USDA APHIS VS animal disease traceability information systems

o Animal Health Services Dashboard

 Premises Management

 Animal Identification Number Management System (AINMS)

 VSPS
8

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

ODAFF AIS’s strengths include USAHerds, the VS Form 4-54 bovine identification data 

collected electronically at all Oklahoma livestock markets, several administrative 

assistants proficient at PIN allocation and USAHerds navigation. All livestock data 

entered into USAHerds is in a searchable format that allows for rapid dissemination of 

information when performing disease trace backs and trace outs. ODAFF’s weaknesses 

include CVI scanning and electronic retrieval, limited data entry personnel for CVI and

test chart integration into USAHerds, shortage of electronic CVI and RFID tag usage,

not operating USAHerds to its full potential, and not having an administrator dedicated 

to traceability only.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Cattle, hog, and broiler production rank as the top three agricultural commodities by 

2021 Oklahoma Agricultural Statistics (USDA NASS) with cattle having a value of 2.4

billion dollars in 2020. A domestic or foreign animal disease event could have a 

devastating direct impact on these producers; however, the indirect economic effects 

would be far reaching both locally and statewide. Additionally, Oklahoma is subject to 

multiple catastrophic events on an annual basis, such as tornados, wildfires, drought, 

winter storms, flooding, and even earthquakes. Although this plan does not specifically 

create opportunities in ODAFF’s ability to respond, the traceability infrastructure is 

another tool that can be used to provide relief (e.g. linking missing livestock with their 

owners). This plan would avoid consequences of potential threats due to the 

comprehensive traceability infrastructure being developed and provide for better use of 

available resources than current approaches. This plan would also enhance networking 

opportunities with federal and state agencies. If this plan is not implemented, no other 

agency will be tasked with doing so. In the past, ODAFF AIS has been successful in 

coordinating with other entities regarding traceability.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

Human resources of ODAFF AIS available for traceability purposes include: 1 state 

veterinarian, 2 staff veterinarians, 1 veterinary medical officer, 13 livestock inspectors,

and 5 administrative assistants. There are no connectivity issues in the office; Oklahoma 

Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) manages the software and hardware 

systems for all state agencies allowing for better IT infrastructure and maintenance. All 

necessary personnel have access to the animal disease traceability information systems. 

All paper record systems are maintained in storage (by import state, export species, or 

test program) for at least five years. Automated data capture capability is limited to 

certificate number and species of CVIs unless it is generated by an eCVI compatible with 

the USAHA eCVI xml schema. The USAHerds application and database Server uses 

Dell Power Edge 210 Server and Windows Server 2008R2 Standard. It has 8 gigabytes 

of RAM and a storage capacity of 1 Terabyte. The servers are protected by the agency 

firewall, and only super users have administrative access to the server. Users can apply 

for accounts through the USAHerds application.
9

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

“To advance traceability so as to better protect Oklahoma producers’ animals, livelihood, 

and future.”

3.2 Mission Statement

“To protect the herd and flock of Oklahoma.”

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal

“To further develop and implement a State-wide infrastructure for advancing animal 

disease traceability compatible with State and USDA standards.”

4.2 Programmatic goals

FY 2022 – Increase use of eCVIs by Category 2 accredited veterinarians by releasing 

VetCVI; continued allocation of RFID tags to accredited veterinarians and producers for 

replacement cattle; target distribution of RFID wands to accredited veterinarians that 

predominately practice in food animal/mixed animal practices; work with OSU extension 

to host workshops on utilizing RFID technology

 

FY 2023–Continue switching veterinarians from use of paper CVIs to eCVIs, continued 

allocation of RFID tags to accredited veterinarians and producers for replacement cattle, 

begin adoption of AHS mobile by accredited veterinarians, 

FY 2024 –Successful adoption of VetCVI and eCVIs, discontinue printing of paper 

CVIs, continued use of RFID tags, traceability infrastructure in place for livestock 

markets; majority of accredited veterinarians utilizing RFID tags and associated 

technology and software to submit regulatory documents electronically. 

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures

Prior to the animal disease traceability program, ODAFF AIS had no objective measure 

of traceability. Currently, traceability capability is measured by the four performance 

standards defined by USDA APHIS VS. Abundant numbers of cattle are moved 

interstate into our livestock markets and this allows us ample opportunity to perform 

traces. Traces completed for the four performance standards thus far have been adequate. 

4.4 Data requirements

Premises identification shall follow standards set by USDA APHIS VS and the SPIS. 

Location identification shall be allocated through the USAHerds software. An account 

will be necessary for LIDs which will include basic contact information; however, a 

mailing address will be accepted in place of a physical address. ODAFF AIS verifies, 

creates and updates locational information associated with these premises using 

information obtained from entry of CVIs, test charts, and vaccination records. Commuter 

swine herds must provide a monthly summary of interstate movements, and must also 

test 5% of the herd annually for brucellosis and pseudorabies. There are no additional 
10

forms, with the exception of cervidae, necessary for interstate movement. Traceability 

data will be shared with USDA APHIS VS upon request. Export CVIs are emailed to 

the state of destination within 7 days of receipt. Group/lot identification will be handled 

according to USDA APHIS VS standards and guidelines.

4.4.1 Administration of Official Identification Devices

Oklahoma’s official identification standards follow 9 CFR. Oklahoma has no special 

arrangements with other states in regards to other identification formats. ODAFF AIS 

distributes NUES tags (NUES 9 metal, NUES 8 metal, and orange OCV metal) to 

livestock inspectors and accredited veterinarians. Tag distribution records are maintained 

at the State/Federal Brucellosis laboratory and within USAHerds. ODAFF AIS 

distributes the free USDA low frequency RFID tags to accredited veterinarians (orange 

OCV RFID tags and white ID tags) and producers (white ID tags). Accredited 

veterinarians are issued a tag distribution excel spreadsheet and required to submit 

records in a timely basis for inclusion into USAHerds and AIMNS. ODAFF AIS audits

accredited veterinarians to determine appropriate tag distribution of records are in place. 

All livestock markets in Oklahoma are approved tagging sites and thus it is not necessary 

for ODAFF AIS to distribute NUES tags to producers at this time but will when 

requested. ODAFF AIS has allocated the Heart of America DHIA chapter in Oklahoma 

as an official tagging site and they are able to distribute NUES tags to their producers. 

Records of tags allocated are submitted electronically on a monthly basis. ODAFF AIS is 

prepared to work cooperatively with USDA when a timeline for the transition from metal 

to electronic RFID tags is established. A PIN will be necessary in order for a producer or 

accredited veterinarian to order tags. A PIN application is available on ODAFF AIS 

website as well as linked on USDA ADT website. RFID tag distribution records will be 

maintained in USDA Animal Identification Number Management System (AINMS) and 

USAHerds. The ADT advisory group will work together to promote RFID technology 

and use within the state and to help ease the transition period with demonstrations and 

trainings. 

4.5 Information technology plan

ODAFF’s budget has fluctuated for the last several years, but projected State of 

Oklahoma budget for FY2022 remains level. When revenues and budgets improve in the 

near future, ODAFF AIS will invest in better information technology equipment and

infrastructure. This may include RFID equipment and tags, software to assist in the 

submission of electronic forms, and additional data entry personnel to assist with CVI 

entry. However, there are no specifics per fiscal year.

4.6 Resource requirements

Specific expertise or consultants are not needed that are not currently available. ODAFF 

has a continuity of operation plan (COOP) that is updated yearly. Automated data 

capture resources for paper CVIs are needed. ODAFF AIS has augmented this need with 

the use of Civet and future implementation of VetCVI. However, priority is given to 

import CVIs with official identification. No additional space is needed.
11

4.7 Organizational needs

No need for organizational change exists, and no additional resources can be leveraged 

within the current administrative structure.

4.7.1 Executive support

No additional support from executive management is needed. Accountability is provided 

through monthly reports to the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture, ODAFF financial 

officers, and quarterly reports to USDA APHIS VS. Officials are briefed on progress 

and baseline measures of performance through quarterly reports.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

Emergency preparedness resources are engaged or responded to through the Oklahoma 

Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Compatibility with 

other states and USDA APHIS VS is monitored through USAHerds and by informal 

conversation. Responsibilities for implementing this plan are assigned by the Oklahoma 

State Veterinarian. Disputes are arbitrated with all parties involved. Feedback is

obtained relative to perception of successful implementation above and below the 

administrative authority by discussion with producer groups and industry associations. 

When administrators are replaced transition is achieved by the basic knowledge of 

programs from the remaining staff veterinarians.

4.7.3 Policy

Budgetary restraints and hiring freezes have limited what is intended to be achieved with 

traceability. There is no need to address any specific mandates or to modify them to 

align with current goals and objectives.

4.7.4 Staffing

Full-time, paid support staff is justified by need and contingent on funding. ODAFF AIS 

currently has only one data entry personnel that is 100% dedicated to animal disease 

traceability; however, all staff works with traceability in one manner or another. The job 

requirements list the specific qualifications necessary. No additional human resources 

can be leveraged to assist in implementing this plan. Professional credentials and 

certifications are not an issue. Job descriptions for the roles needed are provided. 

Animal disease traceability information is a distinct function within the unit.

4.7.5 Budget requirements

ODAFF AIS receives $253,080 in federal funding for animal disease traceability and 

commits at least $54,000 (20% of the cooperative agreement) from its own budget. 

ODAFF AIS insulates against budget cuts by cross-training employees and combining 

jobs. No other funding sources can be leveraged to support this plan.

4.7.6 Outreach and Communication

4.7.6.1. Accredited veterinarians

ODAFF AIS plans to inform accredited veterinarians of traceability updates with 

ODAFF AIS emails and a webpage, Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association’s 

(OVMA) newsletter, OVMA annual convention, and OVMA DVM Listserve.
12

Continuing education is offered for accredited veterinarians regarding traceability at the 

OVMA’s annual convention each year. ODAFF AIS and USDA APHIS VS have a full 

morning and afternoon each year dedicated to regulatory topics. To enhance the use of 

eCVIs and RFID tags, ODAFF AIS demonstrates eCVIs and the use of RFID tags and 

associated technology. ODAFF AIS will continue to provide information to veterinarians 

of the options to capture data automatically utilizing RFID tags and electronic software

any time an opportunity presents itself at annual meetings and or in-person visits.

4.7.6.2. Livestock markets

Continuing education efforts will be planned with the Livestock Market Association of 

Oklahoma to address livestock market concerns. ODAFF AIS already receives all cattle 

identification data from livestock markets through VS Form 4-54s. During disease 

traces, the livestock markets are contacted to provide consignor and consignee 

information related to the backtag of record. ODAFF AIS has encouraged livestock 

market veterinarians to use eCVIs.

4.7.6.3. Industry as a whole

The animal disease traceability advisory group will discuss the best methods for 

informing the industry of the implementation of this plan. This will likely include press 

releases, webpages, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service, ODAFF 

AIS emails, industry associations, and social media sources. The focus of this plan will 

be the cattle industry since official identification is adequate for other species in 

Oklahoma. Mandatory RFID tags are already required for transitional swine during 

official Brucellosis and Pseudorabies testing. The value of a robust traceability system 

will be the focus of outreach efforts towards producers. ODAFF AIS would like to 

conduct table-top exercises provided by APHIS in cooperation with federal personnel to 

instill the need for traceability to minimize disease response impacts on the industry. 

Outreach for this plan will be universal and will not target one group over another so 

there should be no “under-served” communities. ODAFF AIS has multiple regional field 

personnel who are familiar with producers in their areas.

4.8. Compliance and Enforcement of traceability regulations

ODAFF AIS in collaboration with the OK AVIC will determine processes to examine 

and report compliance of interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and official 

identification requirements as defined in 9CFR Part 86. A priority for compliance will be 

to monitor accredited veterinarians and ensure accurate records of tags distributed and 

applied are in order. This is a critical activity as we move forward with promotion and 

adoption of RFID tags. ODAFF AIS will work cooperatively with the OK AVIC on 

ADT enforcement activities in particular when State regulations align with Federal 

regulations. Any compliance and/or enforcement activities will be documented on a 

quarterly basis and provided to the OK AVIC for inclusion into the VS quarterly ADT 

Enforcement Action summary Report. 
13

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

 Additional data entry personnel to ensure ADT data remains current and timely 

 Release of VetCVI

 Maximizing the use of USAHerds

 New equipment for automated data capture and IT infrastructure

 Increase utilization of RFIDs by Oklahoma producers and accredited veterinarians

 Increase utilization of Animal Health Services (AHS mobile) when available by 

accredited veterinarians

 All CVIs submitted in electronic format- discontinue printing paper CVIs

 RFID tags used in all cattle requiring official identification

ODAFF believes that a phased-in approach is appropriate over a three year period and 

that various components are dependent upon measureable successes rather than defined 

time periods.

5.2 Implementation of objectives

FY 2022 – Increase use of eCVIs by Category 2 accredited veterinarians by releasing 

VetCVI; continued allocation of RFID tags to accredited veterinarians and producers for 

replacement cattle; target distribution of RFID wands to accredited veterinarians that 

predominately practice in food animal/mixed animal practices; work with OSU extension 

to host workshops on utilizing RFID technology

 

FY 2023–Continue switching veterinarians from use of paper CVIs to eCVIs, continued 

allocation of RFID tags to accredited veterinarians and producers for replacement cattle, 

begin adoption of AHS mobile by accredited veterinarians, 

FY 2024 –Successful adoption of VetCVI and eCVIs, discontinue printing of paper 

CVIs, continued use of RFID tags, traceability infrastructure in place for livestock 

markets; majority of accredited veterinarians utilizing RFID tags and associated 

technology and software to submit regulatory documents electronically.