Advancing Animal Disease Traceability

(ADT) Road Map for

Alaska

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

ROBERT GERLACH, VMD

STATE VETERINARIAN 

ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

5251 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AVE, ANCHORAGE, AK 99507 

907-375-8214

Submitted to:

DR. MAURA GIBSON

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR ALASKA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1550 IRVING STREET SW, STE. 100

TUMWATER, WA 98512

(909) 25308859

March 1, 2023
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _________________________________________________________________ 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION ______________________________________________________ 4

2.1 Who are we?_____________________________________________________________________ 4

2.2 Where are we now? _______________________________________________________________ 5

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses _________________________________________________________ 6

2.4 Opportunities and Threats __________________________________________________________ 7

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment _____________________________ 7

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ______________________________ 8

3.1 Vision Statement _________________________________________________________________ 8

3.2 Mission Statement ________________________________________________________________ 8

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS __________________________________________________________ 8

2.1 Strategic goal(s) __________________________________________________________________ 8

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives) _____________________________________________________ 8

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs) _____________________________________________ 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 _____________________________________________________________ 10

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures ____________________________________________ 10

4.7.3 Policy _______________________________________________________________________ 11

4.7.4 Staffing ______________________________________________________________________ 11

4.7.5 Budget requirements___________________________________________________________ 11

4.7.6 Outreach (required to be addressed within the Road Map) ____________________________ 12

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity _________________________________ 12

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ____________________________________________________________ 12

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement _______________________________________________ 12

5.2 Implementation of objectives ______________________________________________________ 14
3

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Animal Disease Traceability Road Map for Alaska is designed to improve the state’s 

capability to track animal movements into or out of the state; to traceback animals that may be 

diagnosed with a disease of concern to their herd and location of origin; and to aid in response to 

natural disasters or other emergencies impacting livestock. ADT can allow for the rapid response 

necessary to limit the spread of diseases with potential to impact the economy, public health, or 

wildlife species in our state. 

The state of Alaska has a diverse and widely scattered small- scale livestock industry across 

a large geographic landscape. Any introduction or spread of disease can have significant 

consequences to both livestock and wildlife populations. Impact to an individual producer, and a 

disproportionate impact on the small communities that rely on these producers for food production

may be severe. Producers in Alaska have few large animal veterinarians to work on their herds 

and provide consultations on herd health. Many producers live in remote areas with limited road 

access and limited infrastructure for supplies and support. Traceability provides the Office of the 

State Veterinarian and other partners tools to effectively support livestock producers and the 

industry in preventing the introduction of high-consequence diseases, and limiting spread in the 

event of an outbreak. 

In response to a 7.1 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic the current administration has 

determined food security to be priority for the state and supports expansion of animal agriculture

in Alaska. Animal health and disease prevention and control are key components for successful 

livestock production. Livestock numbers are low in relation to most other states, and an increase 

in overall herd size will necessarily require an increase in livestock imports, primarily from Canada 

and the continuous 48 United States. Animal Disease Traceability will continue to be a key 

component in ensuring traceability of imported animals and securing livestock health and a robust 

and safe food supply.

Managing potential conflicts between domestic livestock and wildlife species at the domesticwildlife interface will continue to be important as the livestock industry grows and as other 

changing climate and changing impact and distribution of human settlements impact the landscape 

and traditional ranges for wildlife species. A successful traceability program can help support 

One Health goals by protecting animal health for both domestic and wild species. In recent years 

private wildlife groups have attempted to restrict domestic livestock ownership and movements 

because of concern of Mycoplasma ovipneumonia. These initiatives have demonstrated that a One 

Health approach to ADT will be necessary to be effective. Part of the ADT will be identifying 

livestock premises and animal movements so that attention may be directed to preventing livestock 

wildlife interactions.

Key elements of the ADT program include identifying livestock premises and animal 

movements with outreach and education to producers and associated industries such as slaughter 

plants and veterinarians; collaborating with USDA APHIS VS to increase availability of USDA 

VMOs in the interior of the state to allow livestock imports across Canada-Alaska border; training 

and development of Environmental Health Officer (relatively recent that this position was 
4

classified to include ADT responsibilities); improvement of record keeping systems and updates

electronic systems to improve usability and compliance by veterinarians.

This plan maintains similar overall goals and objectives to previous ADT efforts, and is 

consistent with USDA’s framework for ADT. It will build upon previous efforts by enhancing use 

of electronic permits and certificates of veterinary inspection; improving data management 

systems within OSV; continuing outreach to producers and veterinarians; and maintaining 

communication and collaboration with partner agencies and industry groups.

Based on a combined amount of approximately $45,000 for personnel costs and associated 

indirect rates in the past 12 months, that is the basic amount required to maintain the program per 

year. Additional costs will be incurred when digital import permit system and electronic CVI 

systems are updated.

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

Responsibility for the Animal Disease Traceability Program in Alaska is primarily under the 

Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV). OSV is housed at the Department of Environmental 

Conservation; Division of Environmental Health. The Office of the State Veterinarian is 

comprised of the State Veterinarian, Assistant State Veterinarian, and an Environmental Health 

Officer. In addition to animal disease traceability, each of these 3 positions is responsible for many 

other different program areas. There are no full-time staff dedicated to traceability. 

Alaska is a large state geographically with a small agriculture and livestock footprint. NASS 

data illustrate the livestock populations in the state: dairy cows – 300, Beef cows – 8,000, breeding 

swine 2,000, small ruminants 2,000). However, there is an increased interest in food security, both 

by consumers and from the higher levels of government leaders. This has led to the recent creation 

of a new Office of Food Security within the Office of the Governor. According to NASS data the 

number of Alaska farms increased 30% in the past 5 years. These farms tend to be diversified and 

mainly sell direct to consumer. There are several initiatives to improve agriculture infrastructure 

in the state to support new and existing farms to increase local food production.

The primary constituent is the Office of the State Veterinarian with responsibility for 

maintaining and further developing the ADT program and associated goals. External constituents 

include livestock industry groups, such as the Farm Bureau and Kawerak and Island Reindeer 

Reindeer Herders Association; livestock veterinarians; slaughter plants; and individual farmers. 

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Veterinary School and UAF Cooperative Extension Service 

are key partners to assist in outreach and education.

Traceability data are used internally to monitor animal imports and exports; conduct 

epidemiological investigations when necessary in responding to disease outbreaks; and also for 

disaster and emergency planning scenarios. 
5

The Office of the State Veterinarian works within the One Health model to protect human 

health, animal health, and environmental health. We collaborate extensively with state and federal 

partners, industry groups, veterinarians, and producers to most effectively utilize our resources. 

Alaska has the largest number of recognized tribes in the U.S. (228) and many of these tribal 

groups manage Alaskan reindeer herds and are concerned about Brucella suis and chronic wasting 

disease, so they are very interested in animal ID. Ultimately the values guiding the ADT system 

are to use the data to prevent and control animal diseases while protecting personally identifiable 

information and proprietary farm information.

Currently due to the small livestock populations in the state there is no established ADT 

advisory group. The OSV communicates with the Alaskan Farm Bureau, small ruminant producer 

groups, cattle associations, and the Kawerak and Island Reindeer Herders Association to discuss 

ADT issues.

2.2 Where are we now?

Animal disease traceability is one component of animal health information systems. 

Traceability allows for increased efficiency in managing potential disease outbreaks or individual 

animal traceback. ADT also identifies livestock premises which aids in development of 

emergency response plans for animal evacuation and for addressing issues with livestock wildlife 

interaction issues.

One measure of traceability capability currently being used is how long it takes to identify 

the state of origin of an imported animal, the state of destination for exported animal, and where 

an individual animal was tagged during National Priority Trace Exercises initiated by USDA. 

Another measure is the time it takes to identify the farm or origin and contact the owner of an 

animal that might screen positive on a slaughterhouse surveillance test for brucellosis. The specific 

value is time to gather the pertinent piece of information during trace exercises. The interpretation 

in a real-life situation would be that a shorter time to tracing back the animal, the better able we 

would be to limit disease spread from that farm. 

Coordination within OSV is very effective, in part due to the small number of personnel 

involved. The Assistant State Veterinarian has primary responsibility for administering the 

program. The State Veterinarian has overall responsibility for the program. One administrative 

assistant helps with logistics and supplies. The EHO assists with compliance review of CVIs and 

recording keeping. Our work plan and current USDA/state shared costs allow for 0.1 FTE to 

execute program activities.

Due to our small livestock industry, limited commercials sales, no livestock markets, and 

small program size, there is no further state-wide coordination needed or possible. OSV works 

with tribal associations by sharing information when appropriate, but up to this point no specific 

assistance has been requested. If a traceability issue arose, OSV would address it, and coordinate 

the traceback effort.

In years past traceability activities were coordinated with USDA APHIS Veterinarian 

Medical Officers stationed in Alaska. Animal imports at the land border were communicated 

between OSV and USDA to ensure compliance with the state import regulations and to document 

origin and destination locations. That closer partnership provided important corporate knowledge 

on the system within the state of Alaska. For the benefit of both agencies and to enhance animal 
6

traceability systems, we will continue to look for new ways to effectively communicate and share 

appropriate animal import information.

The standards for traceability currently being used are: a) time to report to the state official 

tagging/ identifying of an animal in question that has moved interstate, b) time for the state where 

an exported animal was first officially tagged/identified to provide the receiving state with 

documentation; c) time to report to the state from which an animal in question has moved interstate, 

and d) time for the State from which an animal in question has moved interstate to provide the 

location and contact information from which the animal was moved interstate. These are 

appropriate because they allow us to assess the timeliness and overall ability to trace animal 

movements.

The technology infrastructure consists of a laptop for each of the two OSV veterinarians 

and for the Environmental Health Officer and RFID scanners for OSV staff, staff at USDA 

slaughter plants and livestock veterinarians. The main OSV office is housed at the Environmental 

Health Laboratory, and data is backed up on state-owned and managed servers. This 

accommodates the bandwidth necessary for accessing shared databases; storing premises or 

individual animal ID data; distribution records of tags to livestock producers and accredited 

veterinarians. Data is secure and can easily be shared with other entities or agencies upon request.

Requests for information are available Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, if 

authorized personnel are present, and by cellular phone on weekends for state veterinarians. The 

information is most easily accessible at the main office location in Anchorage. 

There are limited state funds for the traceability program. The effectiveness of the program 

is primarily dependent on federal cooperative agreement funding.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

Organizational strengths include simplicity, good working relationships with local livestock 

producers, tribal organizations, and institutional knowledge. Personnel must be able to manage 

nearly any aspect of the traceability program. A legislative effort to protect the confidentiality of 

personally identifiable farm information, proprietary farm information, and address privacy 

concerns related to animal import and export records and animal health records passed in 2022. 

This is a significant new strength for our program, as it will allow producers to pursue voluntary 

animal health testing or consult with OSV without personal information being available to the 

public. The passing of the confidentiality bill is expected to increase farm participation in 

traceability activities and enhance compliance.

Organizational weaknesses include a lack of human resources to spend the time needed to 

enter animal ID data and premises data from CVIs; to ensure annual verification of premises 

registration information; and to try to connect the paper records with electronic records. Another 

challenge continues to be the lack of IT support to develop electronic systems for managing import 

permits and certificates of veterinary inspection. A basic animal import system and electronic 

certificate of veterinary inspections programs were established several years ago, but both 

programs need significant investment to make them more user friendly for accredited veterinarians 

and a way to interface with other electronic systems. Better capability for querying is needed to 

quickly find animals in question, and to provide summary data to track trends in imports and 

exports.
7

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

This plan creates opportunities to respond and prevent or control animal or zoonotic diseases

and support animal care and evacuation in times of a natural disasters (wildfires, earthquakes, 

volcano eruptions, tsunamis, flooding). Animal traceability is a key factor in understanding animal 

movements and locations, thereby allowing for a more effective and targeted response.

The plan attempts to avoid threats such as challenges in communication between state and 

federal agencies, and reluctance from some producers to participate and comply with traceability. 

In addition, enhancements of digital permit and CVI systems will better protect data as compared 

to paper-based systems utilized previously.

This plan continues to maximize the use of available resources. Enhanced digital systems and 

databases and less reliance on paper records will improve stability of long-term data storage and 

allow for more rapid response activities.

Given the small size of the OSV and unique status of the Alcan Border Port for livestock 

entry, networking is critical to an effective program. Continued efforts to increase communication 

and coordination with USDA APHIS Veterinarian Services VMOs in Alaska is critical to ensuring 

information is shared effectively regarding shipments transiting Canada as well as direct interstate 

animal movements by plane or ferry.

If this plan is not implemented, threats include lack of ability of the OSV to track livestock 

entering the Alaska Northern Border Port, trace animals to their point of origin, leading to a greater 

possibility of spread of animal disease to livestock and wildlife, disruption of commerce, threat to 

food security and possible impacts on public health for foodborne and zoonotic diseases. 

Economic impacts could be devastating to local markets and to the state overall.

The Office of the State Veterinarian has authority over animal health and traceability in the 

state. There is no other government office or industry group that has the resources or the regulatory 

authority to implement such a program.

Prior to formal traceability efforts there was very limited data available regarding livestock 

producers (premises, types of animals, etc.) The only data available was provided through the 

NASS. This data is very broad and doesn’t provide the level of detail necessary to respond to a 

specific threat. With the current database and traceability efforts, there is a foundation from which 

to respond to animal morbidity and mortality events.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

The veterinarians and staff available to contribute to traceability goals include a portion of 

time of the state veterinarian (0.05 FTE), assistant state veterinarian (0.1), an environmental health 

officer (0.1), administrative assistant (0.05 or less), and some IT support services. 

OSV is housed at the DEC Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) in Anchorage. Adequate 

office and storage space exists at this location to meet current needs. The 3 primary staff working 

on the ADT program have laptops, and have sufficient connectivity at the main office, and variable 

connectivity in the field, depending on cell phone coverage. Access to USDA information 

resources are adequate. Existing paper recordkeeping systems are adequate. However, a transition 

to more digital recordkeeping will provide more secure and easily accessible long-term data 

storage than the paper-based system. OSV does not have any automated data capture through our 

state systems. We do have access to 3rd party systems such as Global Vet Link and AgView for 

interstate CVIs and USDA’s VSPS.
8

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

The vision for the Alaska DEC is conserving, improving, and protecting Alaska’s natural 

resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, and economic and social well-being of 

Alaskans.

3.2 Mission Statement

The OSV works within a One Health model to prevent, control, and eradicate animal diseases 

in all animals in the state, including livestock and pets. This includes oversight of the Grade “A” 

dairy program and fish tissue monitoring. Activities involve safeguarding the health and food 

production capacity of the State’s livestock, reindeer and poultry and preventing the transmission 

of animal diseases to people. 

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

To maintain and continue to develop and improve a state-wide infrastructure that advances 

animal disease traceability by increasing outreach education to livestock producers, collection of 

premises and animal data, improving data accuracy, maximizing ease of use for producers, and 

ensuring compatibility with other state, tribal, and USDA standards.

1. Enhance 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);

2. Increase use of electronic ID tags for animals requiring individual identification to make 

the transmission of data more efficient.

3. Enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter through a system that allows 

tracking data points to be connected; and

4. Elevate the discussion with States and industry to work toward a system where animal 

health certificates are electronically transmitted from private veterinarians to State animal 

health officials.

5. Continue to maintain communication with state, federal, and industry partners to ensure 

ADT standards across the state are consistent and in alignment with USDA standards.

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

All of the programmatic goals listed below are on-going and will continue over the next 3 

years in order to establish and maintain a robust ADT program.

• Target, develop, and implement outreach messaging to accredited veterinarians

regarding data quality and processing for animal health information forms

• Monitor ICVI data quality for imports and exports

• Input data into appropriate systems such as in-house spreadsheets and databases, 

as well as USDA systems as appropriate

• Improve retrieval of available traceability information from electronic CVIs and 

import permits, brucellosis and TB test records, as well as hard copy documents 

that are submitted
9 

• Establish compatible standards for sharing data with States/Tribes/Territories 

and USDA when needed. Continue to improve communication between USDA 

and OSV to ensure ADT goals are met, especially for international and interstate 

animal shipments that transit Canada.

• Integrate surveillance and traceability data

• Continued outreach and communication with producer groups and tribal 

organizations to determine if an advisory group is needed 

• Enhance IT infrastructure and refine electronic import permit system and eCVI 

system to provide a better user-interface for accredited veterinarians and easier 

ability to query for OSV staff. 

• Update tag distribution record system and develop SOPs to help maintain 

consistency in record keeping over time. 

• Ensure RFID tag readers are available to accredited veterinarians and slaughter 

facilities for recording and validating animal ID. 

• Maintain Office of the State Veterinarian webpage information related to 

imports and exports, and ensure electronics CVIs and permit systems are 

functioning well to increase use by accredited veterinarians.

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

ADT performance measures will be based on National Priority Trace exercises. Trace 

exercises are initiated by USDA, with the intent they are treated as an actual trace would be if it 

were made by USDA or another state in response to a disease outbreak. Performance is measured 

by how quickly the requested piece of information can be identified, to aid in tracing the animal 

in question back to its herd of origin. 

Alaska has improved its efficiency in completing these in a timely manner over the past few 

years. As we are able to improve electronic systems, we expect to continue to decrease the amount 

of time necessary to complete.

The 4 types of trace exercises include:

1. In what state was an imported animal officially identified? 

2. Where in your State was the animal officially identified?

3. From what State was the imported animal shipped?

4. From what location in your State was an exported animal shipped? Note: There 

are very few livestock exported from Alaska. This has been a challenge for the 

purposes of trace exercise Type 4 to find exported animals that meet the 

parameters for the exercise. 

4.4 Data requirements

Alaska has a small agriculture footprint, with limited interstate movement of livestock. There 

are no livestock markets or commuter herds. The larger data management systems used in some 

states are not practical or cost-effective for our state. We will continue to utilize the available 

USDA systems, as well as maintain paper records and in-house spreadsheets and databases. 

Premises ID are issued through the Premises Management withing the USDA APHIS Animal 

Health Services (AHS) Dashboard (www.adtis.aphis.usda.gov). Tag distribution records are 

maintained in-house through a dedicated spreadsheet. Tag distribution information will be updated 

in USDA APHIS Animal Identification Number Management System (AIMS). 
10

RFID 840 tags will be distributed to Category II accredited veterinarians and livestock 

producers whose facilities have a PIN upon request. Tag distribution information will include 

premises ID, name, address and other contact information, date, type and number of tags, and 

specific tag numbers.

The quarterly report to USDA will include the number of tags distributed, tag type, and 

species, and other information as requested. Data uploaded into USDA AHS and AIMS is readily 

available to USDA. Other data can be shared upon request.

ICVIs are approved for interstate movement. For animals transiting Canada from the 

contiguous 48 states, we accept the USDA or CFIA CVI, and do not require an additional interstate 

movement form. However, we do still require a state-specific import permit.

4.5 Information technology plan

We plan to continue using the electronic import permit and CVI system already established. 

Both programs need significant enhancements to improve the user interface and allow queries and 

summary data to be obtained quickly. The current IT staff are appraised of the specific needs to 

improve the system and are prepared to institute changes as staff time allows. A transition to more 

robust digital systems from paper-based record keeping will allow for better data storage and more 

efficient querying capability. This will ultimately allow more rapid access to trace animals in the 

event of an emergency response.

4.6 Resource requirements

We have the expertise needed for the small volumes of animal movements in and out of 

Alaska. However, the amount of time we can devote to the program is limited, and limits data 

entry and development of familiarity with database systems. Lack of funding for personnel time 

continues to the largest challenge that we face. Making meaningful changes to in-house eCVI and 

import permit systems with limited funds also continues to be a challenge. 

4.7 Organizational needs

No organizational change is necessary to continue and maintain animal traceability 

capabilities. Human resources are limited due to budget and staffing constraints. Additional 

administrative support to enter animal ID data, premises data, verify premises registration, and 

connect paper records with electronic records would enhance the goals of the ADT program. 

However, due to the small size of OSV and small number of livestock producers in the state, it is 

unlikely that additional funding and resources will be provided by the state.

4.7.1 Executive support

In general, administrative authorities are supportive of the ADT program. Accountability is 

provided by the work plan reports that are filed with the USDA office and reviewed by our 

Division. OSV is the primary official of this program. The division director reviews performance 

measures reported quarterly for the work plan. 

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

The animal disease traceability group includes individual livestock producers, tribal 

organizations, Cooperative Extension livestock specialist, representatives from Farm Bureau 

chapters, 4-H groups, livestock veterinarians, as well as any citizen who wishes to participate. 

Emergency preparedness resources would include the state Emergency Operations Center and 

local centers. OSV trains with and holds regular meetings with the Department of Homeland 
11

Security and associated partners to discuss possible animal-related emergencies and animal 

sheltering needs.

Alaska is ensuring compliance with latest CFR and USAHA rules on animal identification 

and movement to ensure compatibility with other states, tribes, territories, and USDA.

Responsibilities for implementing the plan as primarily assigned to the Assistant State 

Veterinarian. Feedback and oversight are provided by partner agencies such as USDA, as well as 

the State Veterinarian and division direction.

No disputes have arisen that have required arbitration. 

4.7.3 Policy

The state requires official ID for cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and cervids imported into Alaska. 

OSV has implemented regulation changes mandating ID for sheep and goats, as needed, to 

maintain scrapie “compliant state” status. State policy is in alignment with 9 CFR part 86. 

4.7.4 Staffing

OSV has no support staff assigned to this program full-time. Staff is justified based a 

combination of program needs and available state and federal combined funding.

No specific qualifications are needed beyond the normal job qualifications for the state 

veterinary officers (which includes being licensed and accredited); EHO; and administrative 

assistant. If a part-time or non-permanent person were utilized, we could tailor the job 

qualifications to the duties required.

Additional personnel are not needed, but a higher percentage of work time (0.3 FTE instead 

of 0.1 FTE) is needed to effectively implement the plan. 

Specific job descriptions for the roles are not provided because the program duties are a small 

percentage of the overall duties for the job, and because they overlap with other more general job 

descriptions.

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

4.7.5 Budget requirements

Currently about 60% of the needed personnel and indirect funds are provided by federal funds 

and remaining 40% is provided by state general funds.

In the past few years we have received around $27,000 per year in cooperative agreement 

funding from USDA for ADT program activities. A percentage of that is spent on travel. Because 

our state is large and transportation costs are high, we combine several different program activities 

during nearly all travel. This helps to maximize the impact of travel fund. The majority of 

cooperative agreement funds will be spent on personnel services (including benefits) with a small 

amount being used to partially pay for travel to various meetings where traceability will be one 

component of the trip. To fully implement this plan, we request $45,000 each year to provide for 

more personnel time for data entry and systems management, as well as more rigorous review for 

compliance with pertinent regulations. We cannot necessarily insulate against budget cuts or 

shortfalls, but so far have successfully been able to justify and execute the additional state funds 

needed to support the ADT program. No other funding sources are available to leverage in support 

of this plan.
12

4.7.6 Outreach (required to be addressed within the Road Map)

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

Accredited veterinarians will be informed of changes to the ADT framework at the annual 

state veterinary association meetings and through listserv, OSV newsletters, or other routine 

communications.

Data quality problems related to animal health information systems are addressed through 

direct correspondence with individual veterinarians, letters of notification, the OSV webpage, 

newsletters, and veterinary meetings. Other continuing education may be provided as needs 

become evident.

As enhancements to the state eCVI system are made, accredited veterinarians will be notified 

to encourage use of the system. All veterinarians registered to use the eCVI system were notified 

earlier this year to ask for input or challenges with the system. The OSV webpage already lists 3rd

party vendors that are available and includes tutorials for using the state eCVI system.

Accredited veterinarians may request state-issued, low-cost, official identification tags or 

devices to provide to producers. This occurs 6-8 times per year at the most. Veterinarians are 

responsible for keeping track of any allocations to producers and being able to determine the 

location that a tag was applied.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

There are only 3 USDA-inspected slaughter plants in Alaska. Through brucellosis, 

tuberculosis, scrapie, CWD, and pseudorabies surveillance efforts at slaughter plants, we are able 

to review test records and ID information. We are in routine contact with these plants and are able 

to provide continuing education as needed.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

The industry is continually being informed of the implementation plan through producer 

meetings throughout the year, listserv notifications, and newsletters. OSV provides outreach and 

education at state fairs and 4-H shows around the state every year. The Alaska livestock industry 

includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, captive elk and reindeer, musk ox, bison, sheep, goats, yak, and 

widespread small poultry operations for eggs and meat. Every effort is made to include underrepresented and underserved communities in outreach through the email listserv and OSV 

webpage.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

The number of animals and number of shipments that move interstate will be monitored by 

submission of hard copy records of interstate and international CVIs; digital copies from Global 

VetLink, VetSentry, New Plant Technologies and state eCVIs; and import permit applications.

Due to the small number of livestock movements, the data can be verified for accuracy by 

periodic review of CVIs and corresponding import permits. Other reviews will take place to cross 

check between USDA VSPS and in-house records.

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement
13

Utilize One Health approach to leverage animal disease traceability goals by demonstrating the 

links between animal traceability, food safety, public health and animal health. Understanding 

and incorporating these concepts into a livestock operation are the basis of a successful business 

plan. All of the goals, priorities, and objectives listed below are on-going and will continue over 

the next 3 years in order to establish and maintain a robust ADT program. 

Enhance IT infrastructure- specifically the state eCVI and import permit systems. System 

enhancements will improve the efficiency with which we can retrieve traceability information. 

Enhancements will also support data sharing with partner agencies when needed, and allow for 

easier ability to query information for OSV staff. 

• Update system to allow easier ability to query data for individual animals and 

summary data 

• Improve user interface. 

• Establish secure digital signature capability.

• Allow for automatic submission of CVIs to state of destination

Increase number of veterinarians using electronic CVIs. This will be greatly facilitated by 

improving the user interface of the current state eCVI and import permit systems. 

• Provide information on the available digital platforms through the avenues listed 

below under outreach 

• Maintain OSV webpage with information for electronic documents 

Education and outreach to accredited veterinarians and livestock producers 

• Maintain OSV webpage with updated ADT information- ongoing throughout the next 

3 years.

• Provide continuing education to veterinarians regarding traceability at annual state 

veterinary meeting

• Provide current ADT information to producers at state fairs and industry meetings 

throughout the year 

Continue to identify premises and re-verify previously collected premises data.

• Review locations, contact information, and business information. 

• Remove premises that are not current.

Tag distribution and maintenance 

• Recall old tags, especially Brite tags or other non-840 RFID 

• Update record keeping system to ensure long-term security

• Update tag distribution records in AIMS as needed 

• Ensure RFID tag readers are available to accredited veterinarians and slaughter facilities 

for recording and validating animal ID 

• Distribute approved 840 RFID tags or other official identification to Category II accredited 

veterinarians and producers as needed 
14

5.2 Implementation of objectives

The objectives described above under 5.1 will be implemented over the course of the next 3 

years. If there is Department supports, IT enhancements will be prioritized in 2023, because that 

will have ripple effects on the success of the other objectives.