Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule Requirements for Cattle 

Version: July 2014

1 

OFFICIAL EARTAGS FOR CATTLE

1. NUES tags

• “Bright” tags

• OCV / Bangs tags (orange)

2. AIN Tags

• “840”prefix

• “900”series (mfr. codes) and “USA” prefix (official

ID only for tags applied before 3/11/2015)

Questions about official ID methods and devices for cattle? 

Email Traceability@usda.gov

USDA APPROVED BACKTAGS

• USDA approved backtags may be used in lieu of

official ID for “direct to slaughter” cattle.

• Cattle moved interstate to slaughter on a backtag

must be harvested within 3 days of arrival at the

plant (otherwise, official ID must be applied)

Note: Backtags continue to be provided by USDA APHIS VS

for use at markets, slaughter plants, etc.

Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule Requirements for Cattle

ADT Rule March 2013: Interstate Movement Requirements for Cattle

YES Are the cattle moving interstate? NO

Rule does not apply

BEEF

Are the cattle sexually 

intact and 18 months of 

age or older?

DAIRY

Are the cattle steers, bulls, 

or females?

All cattle of any age 

used for rodeo, shows, 

exhibitions, or 

recreational events

1. Official ID required *

2. ICVI and official ID numbers

recorded on certificate

STEERS

Applies only to dairy 

steers born after 3/11/13

1. Official ID required*

2. ICVI required*

• Recording IDs on

movement document

NOT required

BULLS

Dairy bulls born after 

3/11/13 or

18 months or older

1) Official ID required *

2) ICVI required *

• Recording IDs on

movement document

REQUIRED*

FEMALES

All dairy females 

regardless of age

1. Official ID required*

2. ICVI required *

• Recording IDs on

movement document

REQUIRED*

1. Official ID required*

2. ICVI required*

• Recording IDs on movement

document REQUIRED*

YES NO

1. Official ID - does not apply

2. ICVI required*

• Recording IDs on movement

document NOT required

* See exemptions for official ID, ICVIs and recording IDs on movement documents on the following page.
Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule Requirements for Cattle 

Version: July 2014

2 

EXEMPTIONS TO OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION

Cattle are exempt from official identification when moved:

1. Directly from a location in one State, through another State, to a second location in the original State.

2. Directly to an approved tagging site and are officially identified in accordance with established protocols.

3. Between shipping and receiving States or Tribes with another form of identification, as agreed upon by

animal health officials in the shipping and receiving States or Tribes.

4. Directly to a recognized slaughter establishment or directly to no more than one approved livestock

facility and then to a recognized slaughter establishment.

EXEMPTIONS TO ICVI REQUIREMENTS

ICVIs are not required for movements:

1. Directly to slaughter or to slaughter through one market.

2. Directly to an approved livestock facility with an owner-shipper statement.

3. To a veterinary clinic for medical examination or treatment.

4. As a commuter herd with a commuter herd agreement.

5. When a movement document other than an ICVI is agreed upon by shipping and receiving State officials.

EXEMPTIONS TO RECORDING OFFICIAL ID NUMBERS ON MOVEMENT DOCUMENTS

Official ID numbers do not need to be recorded on movement documents for:

1. Cattle moving to slaughter.

2. Steers or spayed heifers.

3. Sexually intact beef cattle under 18 months.

Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule Requirements for Cattle

These exemptions do not apply to cattle used for rodeo,shows, exhibitions, or recreational events.

See ADT regulations (9CFR part 86) for specific requirements. 

Questions about Traceability? Please email Traceability@usda.gov