2022

ADVANCING ADT

ROAD MAP FOR

FLORIDA

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER 

SERVICES

DR. MICHAEL A. SHORT, STATE VETERINARIAN

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

407 SOUTH CALHOUN STREET; TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0800

850-410-0900

[SIGNATURE______ _________

Submitted to:

DR. KENDRA STAUFFER

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR FLORIDA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

8100 NW 15TH PLACE

GAINESVILLE, FL 32606

352-415-4050

Date: 6/24/2022
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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................................................................................................ 11

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................. 12

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment........................................ 13

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY..................... 13

3.1 Vision statement ............................................................................................................... 13

3.2 Mission statement ............................................................................................................. 13

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 13

4.1 Strategic goal(s) ............................................................................................................... 13

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives) .................................................................................. 14

4.3 Animal Disease Traceability performance measures........................................................ 14

4.4 Data requirements............................................................................................................. 14

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

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

4.7 Organizational needs......................................................................................................... 16

4.7.1 Executive support.......................................................................................... 16

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

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................. 17

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

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

4.7.6 Outreach ........................................................................................................ 18

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians................................................................... 18

4.7.6.2 Slaughter Plants................................................................................ 19

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole........................................................................... 19

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity ................................................... 20

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY........................................................................................... 20

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement ............................................................................. 20

5.2 Implementation of objectives............................................................................................ 21
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Road Map for Florida has been developed in conjunction with our Florida AVIC

following the guidance of the USDA Animal Disease Traceability Program. It is 

expected that this document will support the USDA Animal Disease Traceability 

Framework which has been developed as a guide for a national animal identification 

and traceability program.

On January 9, 2013, USDA published USDA Animal Traceability Requirements 

(Chapter 9, Part 86, Code of Federal Regulations) establishing minimum national 

official animal identification and documentation requirements for the traceability of 

livestock moving interstate. 

On September 4, 2014, Florida Cattle Identification Rules (Chapter 5C-31, Florida 

Administrative Code) became effective. These rules require that cattle and bison 18 

months of age and older, moving intrastate, bear Official Identification unless 

specifically exempted from Florida Administrative Rule. 

In March and April of 2017, the USDA conducted meetings with all livestock industry 

“stakeholders” in an effort to gain feedback from the nation and the industry on animal 

disease traceability. USDA expressed commitment to helping the industry move 

towards mutually agreeable goals and relying on industry to lead any effort to increase 

the focus on animal identification and animal disease traceability. 

In June of 2017, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association formed a Cattle Identification 

Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from each sector of Florida’s 

cattle industry and animal health professionals. The purpose of the Task Force is to 

develop a blueprint of a cattle identification program that will serve the industry. Other 

stated goals of this industry-led group include finding ways to increase the utilization 

of Official Identification. The consensus points from the first meeting were: 

1. Animal Disease Traceability is needed. 

2. A National System must utilize electronic technology.

3. A mandatory system will be required to be fully efficient and comprehensive. 

The Task Force acknowledged the difficulties of marketing a “Mandatory” rather 

than a “Voluntary” system. 

4. Official Identification should be applied as animals first enter commerce to link 

them to premises of origin. 

State animal health officials recognize the need for traceability but also recognize the 

role that USDA will need to play by providing uniformity, funding and a lasting 

commitment to make the efforts successful. Significant reductions in program activity 

and staffing over the last 15 years by both USDA and the state of Florida have resulted 

in reduced animal disease surveillance and traceability. Florida animal health officials 
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plan to collaborate with the USDA to assist the industry with implementation of the 

state and federal rules that provide for a uniform, effective, and flexible system to 

control and eradicate animal disease.

Protecting Florida agriculture by safeguarding animal health is vital to producers and 

consumers of livestock products on local, state, national, and international levels. The 

availability of healthy livestock and poultry is a core component of providing the 

public with a safe, abundant, and an affordable food supply. Preventing the 

introduction or further spread of animal diseases that harms both livestock and the 

livelihoods of producers has many advantages. Implementation of traceability 

regulations will enable increased protection and support the economic well-being of 

the industry.

Although farmers and ranchers work diligently to protect their animals and the 

industry, there is no guarantee the animals will be spared from disease. The challenge 

and threat of animal disease increases incrementally as the movement of humans and 

livestock domestically and internationally increases. Florida has 21 international 

ports. Increasing trade of animals and animal products, and a suitable climate for 

foreign animal diseases and pests makes Florida extremely vulnerable to the 

introduction of devastating diseases of livestock and poultry.

Protecting Florida’s livestock, safeguards animal health and the marketability of the 

livestock products produced. The implementation of adequate disease prevention and 

control measures increases consumer confidence and the marketability of agricultural 

products. Traceability of animals is a critical factor in the control and eradication of 

foreign or program animal disease.

Animal disease traceability is critical to the success of Florida’s disease control 

activities. While prevention is our priority, an effective response system must be in 

place in the event of a disease outbreak. The potential emergence of highly contagious 

diseases makes the need even more urgent. To effectively prevent disease from 

spreading and to eradicate disease where it exists, tracing of infected and exposed 

animals, in a rapid and accurate manner, is paramount. Advancing animal disease 

traceability is a critical component of disease control and eradication systems. Rapid 

and effective response will help to minimize the negative economic impact of animal 

disease.

A traceability plan will support the sharing of data and animal health information 

between all entities when it becomes necessary. Resources needed to reach the 

objectives of advancing animal disease traceability include cooperation between 

producers, state, tribal, and federal officials and the sharing of costs as necessary.

Annual budgets can be established only after a program is further defined. Since 2009, 

Florida has spent more than $230,000 annually on animal disease traceability with 
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approximately 60% of this coming from Federal Cooperative Agreement funding. 

Costs associated with animal identification records and data management can be 

expected to be significant. These costs are expected to be borne by industry, states, 

tribes and federal partners.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of 

Animal Industry (DAI) is funded primarily through general revenue dollars with no 

funding designated specifically for traceability. Only programs supported by feegenerated revenue are guaranteed to be funded. Cost-sharing is achieved via the use 

of general revenue monies. Existing funding will be utilized in support of traceability 

programs to the extent that funds are available. Much of the current work that is 

carried out for disease prevention and control involves traceability activities. In recent 

years, state contributions have covered approximately 40% of the cost of traceability 

programs.

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), 

Division of Animal Industry (DAI) is primarily responsible for 

implementing traceability initiatives and will be referred to as DAI for 

remainder of document. Since 2004, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has 

joined the Department in efforts to implement plans to increase animal 

disease traceability. The Department has also conducted pilot projects with 

other private ranchers, cattle brokers, and veterinary practitioners.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida continues to be a partner with DAI in 

traceability implementation. The Tribe’s large cow-calf operation 

continues to be a model for demonstrating the utility of electronic 

identification and record-keeping as a herd management tool.

The DAI has many constituents. According to 2017 USDA Agriculture

Census data, Florida’s animal industry is made up of more than 50,000

individual producers. Approximately 67 percent of livestock premises are 

currently registered. State officials believe that these registered premises 

house greater than 85 percent of the livestock. Livestock and poultry 

owners range in size from owners of “back yard” flocks and herds to some 

of the nation’s largest brood cow herds. The DAI is charged with protecting 

and assisting producers from all sectors. Collaboration between USDA, 

DAI, veterinary practitioners, livestock markets, and producers is used to 

facilitate the statewide Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program.

The Florida Animal Disease Coordinating Group is a subcommittee of the 

Florida Animal Industry Technical Council (AITC). The Coordinating 

Group includes producers, industry groups, livestock market owners, a 

tribal representative, and an allied industries representative. The 

Coordinating Group meets as needed and communicates via electronic mail 
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and telephone. The AITC meetings are held one to four times annually and 

the ADT program is discussed at each meeting. 

The Florida Cattlemen’s Association has formed an Animal Disease 

Traceability Taskforce in conjunction with other stakeholder associations 

including Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Association of Livestock Markets, 

Florida Dairy Farmers, and several meat processing businesses. This

Taskforce has been the driving force behind the multi-state demonstration 

project which Florida has participated in with Texas and Kansas. These 

projects were partially funding by the USDA and have allowed for 

collection of significant data regarding the use of both Ultra High Frequency 

(UHF) and Low Frequency (LF), identification devices in cattle of various 

ages and market groups. 

DAI is the lead agency for the entire state of Florida regarding ADT efforts 

in close coordination with our federal partners. DAI personnel enter ADT 

related data into federal databases which communicate with AHER in 

accordance with ADT framework. 

DAI personnel have access to Animal Disease Traceability Information 

System (ADTIS) component databases such as Animal Identification 

Management System (AIMS), SCS Core One, Premises Management, 

Emergency Management Response System (EMRS), and Data Integration 

System (DIS). Traceability data is entered into these databases and as 

needed specific data can be retrieved by DAI or USDA. 

2.2 Animal Disease Traceability in Florida, as in the US, varies widely between 

industries and within industries. FDACS, DAI considers ADT to be a part 

of our mission responsibilities and integrated into most of our animal health 

activities. 

Premises management and management of Official Identification devices

occur as stand-alone options or as part of other animal health activities. 

Applications for Premises Registration and Request for Official 

Identification Devices are managed through the Cattle Programs Office with

DAI. DAI field personnel and program managers coordinate regularly 

regarding ADT as part of the overall animal health programs implemented 

as our mission to safeguard Florida’s animal agriculture. DAI and USDA 

counterparts communicate on a regular basis regarding ADT and participate 

in several working groups to facilitate the advancement of the national ADT 

framework. 

Coordination within DAI and with USDA includes weekly management 

calls, monthly ADT calls, monthly calls with DAI field personnel and direct 

calls between Cattle Programs Office and field personnel as well as USDA 

Animal Identification Coordinator (AIC). Standard Operating Procedures 
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for field activities include messaging processes for all documents related to

ADT program. Quarterly Accomplishment Reports and Compliance & 

Enforcement Reports are provided to Florida USDA Area Veterinarian in 

Charge (AVIC) and AIC. 

Implementation of the 2014 Florida Cattle Identification Rule, Florida 

Administrative Code 5C-31, is helping to drive the utilization of Official ID 

in the cattle sector. 

FDACS and DAI continue efforts to protect Florida agriculture as changes 

and challenges are addressed. Needs and infrastructure must be balanced 

against budgets and other mandates.

Currently, the success of traces is monitored individually and according to 

various disease protocols. Coordination within FDACS involves staff on 

many levels to ensure effective tracing. Coordination between USDA, 

FDACS, veterinary practitioners, livestock markets, livestock processors, 

and producers is used to facilitate traces. DAI regularly coordinates with 

other state agencies such as the Department of Health and the Florida Fish 

and Wildlife Conservation Commission during disease investigations which 

may include trace activities. Resources of the FDACS and the Florida 

Division of Emergency Management are available round-the-clock if 

warranted.

Databases and files utilized in Florida:

• ADTIS (USDA database) – multiple DAI personnel use these 

systems regularly

o Premises Management –system for the registration of 

premises for allocation of Premises Identification Numbers 

(PINs).

o SCS Core One – repository of program disease activities 

such as Brucellosis Vaccination Record, Tuberculosis Test 

Records and Interstate movement documents. 

o Animal Identification Number Management System 

(AINMS) – system for capture of distribution of Official 

Identification Devices.

o Veterinary Services Process Streamlining (VSPS) – allows 

for verification of veterinary accreditation and offers an

Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection which is 

utilized by many Florida veterinarians. 

o Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) –

primary database for animal disease response and portal to 

the Animal Health Event Repository (AHER) system. We 

also perform Trace Performance Exercises in this system. 

• CVI Central – subscription service is utilized to process Official 

Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Those CVIs with
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Official Identification numbers are migrated into the SCS Core One 

database. Summary information for livestock species from CVIs 

without Official ID is also migrated to the SCS Core One database.

• Commerce Transport Imaging System (CTIS) utilized by the Office

of Agricultural Law Enforcement - state database to record Official 

Certificate of Veterinary Inspections (OCVIs) passing through 

Florida interdiction stations. This database can be used to flag and 

screen shipments based on several key criteria.

• Livestock market data is a mixture of paper and electronic files. 

FDACS is working with markets and software companies to 

continue procession to electronic transmission of this data. Some 

markets have progressed with infrastructure and electronic capture 

while others have been slow to adopt electronic transmission of data. 

Traces initiated based on an official identification such as backtag or official 

ear tag are frequently requested for disease surveillance or residue concerns. 

Backtag information is available at the DAI Cattle Programs Office or at 

the livestock market/dealer issuing the backtags. Backtag reports are 

forwarded by each market to the Cattle Programs Office and are available 

for epidemiologic investigations. Official ear tags of Florida origin can be 

traced within the USDA databases for all program activities. If no program 

activities have occurred since placement of the tag, a bookend approach and 

contact point of origin based on information from the database is utilized.

Traces initiated based on history of animal movement are generally initiated 

in the AHER system. Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) 

are maintained in accordance with ADT final rule, 9CFR86. Beginning in 

2020, all OCVIs are entered through the CVI Central portal which allows 

searching by date, species, state of origin, state of destination and a category 

which DAI assigns. The category allows search by whether official 

identification was available. For OCVIs with official identification, the 

certificates can message directly to SCS Core One with the individual 

identification numbers. Individual ID in the SCS Core One system is 

uploaded to AHER. CTIS database is utilized if there is a time frame for 

movement of concern. Each CTIS search can be based on species, a time 

frame and the state of destination/origin. Movement from Approved 

Livestock Markets in Florida, Alabama and Georgia may be under 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) permits issued by inspectors at the 

markets. These forms are entered into StateVet.com for transmission to 

databases of the state of destination. Florida’s data is moving to SCS Core 

One. 

Traces that identify only the premises of origin/destination can require 

interviews as well as information of herd history available in archived 

databases or current CoreOne databases. Herd records (when available) are 
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a key factor in the success of these traces. Lack of herd records often 

necessitates broader investigations.

In Florida, we are fortunate to have a close working relationship with the 

veterinarians involved in the food animal industries and can contact them 

for additional specifics requiring inquiries based on a particular shipment as 

per OCVI records.

DAI is notified of the need to trace animals for a variety of reasons. Most 

commonly the tracing of animals is related to a disease situation (possible 

exposure or potential infected animal) or as part of an investigation related 

to food safety (primarily drug residue concerns). Notification is received 

by email, fax, phone call or, rarely, electronic notification systems. This 

notification originates from either state or federal animal health officials in 

another state or from the USDA/APHIS/VS Area Office or FDA Regional 

Office. Traces of various types are received. The following bullets describe 

how these traces are carried out based on the initial information provided.

• Notification = Backtag number for residue concerns or slaughter 

surveillance suspects (58XX#### format).

o A slaughter date will be included in these trace requests.

o Backtag indicates the Livestock Market or Livestock Dealer 

who presented the animal for slaughter by the two-letter code.

o Livestock markets complete a backtag report for each sale day 

and these reports are forwarded to the Cattle Programs Office.

▪ DAI has access to these records as needed.

▪ Based on the report, we can identify the name of the 

consignor of the animal to the market.

o Livestock dealers are required to maintain records of their 

purchases and sales for two years.

▪ DAI staff can contact these dealers for records as needed.

o DAI staff contacts the consignor of the back tag in question to 

confirm that they did sell one or more animals on said date. DAI 

will gather all pertinent information regarding the specific 

animal in question and the herd in general.

• Notification = A range of backtag numbers and animal description or 

slaughter date with only lot ID

o Lot ID is a slaughter plant reference that will list a source such 

as the Livestock Market or Dealer.

o As above DAI staff can cross reference animals to multiple 

consignors but cannot specifically identify the owner of concern.

o DAI staff can contact all potential consignors and attempt to 

narrow the inquiry based on added descriptions such as color, 

gender or breed of animal. 
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o Example: DAI staff has investigated 42 potential premises 

related to a single trace of this type.

• Notification = Official eartag (58xxx#### or 58xx####)

o Official ear tags are distributed by the USDA to specific venues 

such as accredited veterinarians and FDACS, who will also 

distribute tags to producers.

o Records of Official ID distribution are entered into either the 

AINM or SCS CoreOne.

o Program testing and vaccination records are entered into SCS 

CoreOne, which can be searched by a specific eartag number. 

▪ Through SCS CoreOne, DAI staff can identify the last 

recorded test or vaccination and the ownership of the 

animal at that time. The last event of record may be 

several years old and may have to be traced based on 

owner information for subsequent movement activities. 

• Notification = Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI)

o DAI staff can contact the veterinarian of record if the OCVI is 

not legible or if believed to have been altered. Veterinarians are 

obligated to maintain these records for a minimum of two years. 

o Most OCVIs have legible consignor or consignee information, 

but often, more additional tracing information is required. 

o DAI staff can verify movement through interdiction stations 

using the CTIS Agricultural Law Enforcement database.

o A paper copy submitted by issuing veterinarian is uploaded into 

the CVI Central system for routing and processing since January 

2020. Those certificates received prior to this date are currently 

filed in a file on network shared drive. These certificates are 

being uploaded into the CVI Central system to become 

searchable. All livestock OCVIs are maintained in accordance 

with 9CFR86.

• Notification = Premises of issue 

o DAI will contact owner of premises according to records to aid 

in the search.

o DAI will utilize information available in USDA databases for 

general herd history and information. 

o When DAI has a time frame of concern, the CTIS Agricultural 

Law Enforcement database can be used to search for movements 

through the interdiction stations.

o DAI has occasionally gone to the herd of interest and 

individually checked identifications of each animal on the 

premises to find animals of concern.

o Records of individual identification devices distributed can be 

located in either AINMs or SCS CoreOne. 

• Notification = Animal name [equine]

o Owners and trainers commonly provide much of the information 

regarding movement of horses.
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o DAI uses many available resources 

▪ Equibase

▪ Racetrack records and contacts with race stewards

▪ Registry offices

▪ Show and race result websites

o Official lab test information

▪ EIA reports

▪ Equine Piroplasmosis

▪ Import testing information

Florida continues to encourage veterinarians to adopt electronic CVIs as 

multiple options are available to them. FDACS will continue training food 

animal veterinarians and their staff in the utilization of VSPS. Florida 

veterinarians are provided list of approved electronic certificate vendors 

including VSPS. Some Florida veterinarians are also working to 

electronically submit program disease records for direct entry into federal 

databases. 

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: 

• Traceability is included as an integral component of animal disease 

control. Recent initiatives to advance Traceability include:

o Planned Implementation of the Florida Exhibition rule 5C-4 will 

require all exhibition animals entered in a show to be Officially 

Identified.

o Recent efforts to Officially Identify all swine entering Approved 

Livestock Facilities as been successful. All swine now entering 

Approved Livestock Facilities are Officially Identified. 

o All samples submitted for USDA Program Diseases are being 

audited to ensure Official Identification is listed for each animal 

being tested.

o Florida Cattle Identification Rule (requires Official ID of adult 

cattle), Florida Administrative Code 5C-31.

• Increasing utilization of electronic record-keeping systems

• Staff are capable users of available technology

• Staff are proficient users of all currently deployed database systems 

• Strong DAI, employing 115 persons

o DAI Field Staff

o DAI Diagnostic Disease Laboratory

• Florida Emergency Management System (Emergency Support Function

17 Component for Animal and Agriculture)

• Florida Agricultural Interdiction System. Mandatory road stops at 

twenty-three (23) locations with monitoring of health certification and 

animal identification. 
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• Food animal veterinarians who work closely with state officials and 

industry. 

• Open and Productive Dialogue with Industry

o Regular engagement with Florida stakeholders including Florida 

Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Farm Bureau and Florida 

Association of Livestock Markets

o District personnel and program manager work closely with the 

local administration of Florida Fairs and many other exhibition 

activities

• Effective Communications and Outreach Strategies

Weaknesses: 

• Paper-based, labor intensive, tracking systems

• Some veterinarians, producers, and livestock markets are resistant to

electronic identification, documentation, and transmission

• Fewer personnel for data management

o DAI personnel numbers have decreased from 154 in 2004 to 115 

employees including the loss of at least six personnel engaged 

in data entry related to ADT program. 

o Both DAI and USDA have decreased the number of data entry 

personnel during organizational shrinkages over the past 5 years. 

o Since 2015, DAI is responsible for a majority of data entry into 

federal databases.

• Shrinking State and Federal budgets

• Florida “Sunshine Law” which allows public access to state held 

information. In order to protect producer’s privacy, the DAI does not 

plan to become a manager of individual animal identification numbers 

or trade information. Florida will continue to rely on USDA to house 

animal ID data.

• Variations in regulations between states continues to cause confusion 

for veterinarians and producers.

• Exemptions to Cattle Identification Rules and the allowances for official 

identification after animals enter commerce have made enforcement 

difficult and compliance issues are labor intensive.

• Lack of traceability of animals consigned to Recognized Slaughter 

Facilities. 

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Continued efforts to implement both the USDA Animal Traceability Rule 

and the Florida Cattle Identification Rule will move traceability forward in 

coming years. A comprehensive state emergency management plan 

includes provisions to support agricultural officials in responding to animal 

disease challenges.

The challenge and threat of animal disease increases incrementally as the 

movement of humans, livestock and animal products domestically and 
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internationally increases. Florida has 21 international ports of entry. 

Increasing trade of animals and animal products, and a suitable climate for 

foreign animal diseases and pests, makes Florida more vulnerable to the 

introduction of devastating diseases of livestock and poultry.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

The DAI has the capability to implement animal disease traceability as part 

of an overarching plan to protect the consumers and producers of livestock 

from devastation caused by animal disease. Connectivity to the full Florida 

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as other 

agencies, broadens the scope of potential assistance. Subscription services 

to facilitate capture of data in databases essential to animal disease 

traceability. Access to USDA resources remains a critical factor in the 

eventual success of such programs.

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of 

Animal Industry’s vision statement is: To be the most effective and 

innovative animal health authority in the United States. 

The DAI is the lead state agency serving to protect the health and welfare 

of Florida’s livestock and poultry, support the productivity and 

marketability of Florida’s animal industries, and enhance the availability 

and safety of our food supply. Traceability plays an integral part in disease 

prevention, surveillance, and control and, thus, is an essential component of 

the DAI responsibilities to safeguard both animal and public health.

3.2 Mission Statement

The mission of the DAI is to safeguard Florida’s agriculture and the public 

through animal disease control and emergency response. 

The mission of the DAI is to prevent, control, and eradicate infectious and 

communicable diseases of livestock and domestic animals by working with 

partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance with state animal health 

programs and regulations. The mission includes emergency support in 

responding to man-made or natural disasters affecting animals. 

Identification and traceability play a key role in successfully carrying out 

this mission.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)
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• To develop and implement a state-wide infrastructure for advancing 

animal disease traceability compatible with State, Tribal, and USDA 

standards.

• The overarching goal is the development of a comprehensive national 

system of animal disease traceability.

1. Enhance electronic sharing of data among Federal and State 

animal health officials, veterinarians, and industry; including 

sharing basic ADT data with the AHER;

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

identification in order 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.

 4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

Florida will continue to move forward with Animal Disease Traceability 

through enforcement of current regulations, producer outreach and 

education, and working with industry. We will continue to collaborate with 

industry stakeholders and federal partners to enhance traceability.

• Enhance tag distribution and record-keeping system(s)

• Target, develop, and implement outreach messaging regarding data 

quality and processing for animal health information forms

• Develop state policy in support of federal rule(s) pertaining to 

traceability 

• Monitor OCVI usage and data quality

• Capture available animal movement data into appropriate systems

• Improve retrieval capabilities of available traceability information

• Establish compatible standards for sharing data with 

States/Tribes/Territories and USDA when needed

• Integrate surveillance and traceability data

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

Florida performs TPMs in the EMRS system in accordance with USDA 

Traceability Program as Priority Trace Exercises. Multiple personnel in the 

DAI Cattle Programs office are trained in the utilizing DIS and EMRS to 

accomplish these TPMs. 

4.4 Data requirements

Animal disease traceability data are acquired through various program 

work. Storage, retrieval and utilization will continue to be by a multi-
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faceted approach. Efforts will continue to make data searchable in the most 

efficient manner possible. Electronic means are being merged with paperbased systems. Existing information will be integrated into any developing 

animal disease traceability information system. Increasing human 

resources will be critical in advancing data entry and data management.

• Premises Identification Numbers – issued and maintained in the USDA 

Premises Management System.

• The current Florida Cattle Identification Rule accepts official animal 

identification as prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

and references CFR in state regulations.

• Florida will expand the utilization of official animal identification 

devices beyond the current system and on a voluntary basis with 

producers and practitioners. DAI is assisting veterinary practitioners in 

becoming AIN managers to increase access to electronic devices for 

small producers. District personnel continue to facilitate distribution of 

official identification devices for those involved in exhibition activities. 

• If USDA announces plans to discontinue acceptance of NUES tags, this 

change will become an increased responsibility to assist producers 

advance their technological skills. 

• Tag distribution is a collaborative effort. Distribution is captured in the 

AIMS. State and federal personnel assist in local distribution activities. 

• VS Memo 578.12 will serve as a guideline for tag distribution. Florida 

utilizes official forms for data collection related to tag distribution. 

• Utilization of NUES and electronic tags has increased dramatically with 

the implementation of state and federal requirements for official 

identification. 

• Record-keeping is a core component to all official tag systems. Tags 

will be assigned to an official premises/premises owner. The 

veterinarian or livestock owner applying the tags will be responsible for 

timely submission of accurate and complete records of tag utilization.

• Florida recognizes the need for, and supports, all efforts to move 

towards more efficient storage and retrieval of animal disease 

traceability information. 

• Data will be shared with other States, Tribes, Territories, and USDA 

through USDA and other databases. Current protocol will extend to 

traceability programs.

• In addition to OCVIs, Florida Form DACS-09158 may be issued by 

state personnel to permit the movement of cattle to Georgia, Mississippi

and Alabama from specifically approved Livestock Markets through 

state to state agreements. 

• USDA Form, VS 1-27 is a permit for movement of restricted animals 

which can include interstate movement.

• Group/lot official numbers will be handled as prescribed by USDA, VS.

• Florida utilizes the USDA numbering system and does not have a 

system to assign state identification numbers to livestock or premise.
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4.5 Information technology plan

Florida recognizes the need for, and supports, efforts to move towards more 

efficient storage and retrieval of animal disease traceability information. 

Florida is in the process of uploading all livestock and equine CVIs into the 

searchable database through the CVI Central application. 

DAI will continue efforts to encourage the use of VSPS or private compliant 

vendors of eCVIs by food animal and equine veterinarians. It is important 

that USDA provide vital enhancements to this system and help-desk 

support. Providing this no-charge option to veterinarians can be an 

important component of a traceability plan. DAI continue to assist the ADT 

Modernization processes by participating in working groups and beta 

testing of IT systems. 

4.6 Resource requirements

Animal disease traceability data are acquired through various program 

work. Storage, retrieval, and utilization will continue to be by a 

multifaceted approach. Efforts will continue to make data searchable in the 

most efficient manner possible. This system will be integrated into any 

developing animal disease traceability information system. The shortage of 

human resources restricts progress of data management.

• Current DAI staff has specific expertise to implement traceability.

• Additional data management staff may be necessary to record, process, 

and track large volumes of animal movement data.

• Automated data capture equipment is available in limited supply 

currently. Additional equipment will help to facilitate further adoption 

by veterinary practitioners and producers. DAI is working with 

accredited veterinarians to facilitate the engagement of these 

practitioners as Animal Identification Managers and providing RFID 

wands to those who participate. 

• DAI has a Continuity of Operations Plan in place. This statewide plan 

is updated and tested annually as part of the state government’s 

emergency operations plan.

4.7 Organizational needs

4.7.1 Executive support

Florida’s State Veterinarian and Director of the Division of Animal Industry 

is fully supportive of the development of an animal disease traceability 

system. Other officials, including Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, 

are briefed orally and provided documentation on program status and 

progress. The Division Director and Commissioner are involved in 

meetings and discussions with affected industry.
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4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

Internal program oversight is under the direction of Florida’s State 

Veterinarian and Director of the Division of Animal Industry. 

External program oversight and guidance is primarily through the Florida 

Animal Disease Traceability Working Group. A description of the Florida 

Animal Disease Traceability Working Group: 

The Florida Animal Disease Traceability Working Group was appointed as 

a subcommittee of the Florida Animal Industry Technical Council (AITC). 

The AITC is an official advisory board created under Section 70.38, Florida 

Statutes, to advise and make recommendations to the Department of 

Agriculture and Consumer Services on issues concerning the protection of 

the animal and livestock interests of Florida. The Traceability Working 

Group includes a tribal representative, producers, veterinary practitioners, 

livestock market owners, a meat packer, and representatives from Florida 

Farm Bureau and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

This group meets according to need and meetings can be held as necessary 

to respond to program announcements. Information is shared via written 

correspondence and conference calls are scheduled as needed. Meetings of 

this AITC subcommittee are open to all interested parties in addition to the 

committee members. These meetings are announced in the Florida 

Administrative Register as official meetings. Additional feedback is gained 

through working with all industry groups and stakeholders to implement 

traceability.

4.7.3 Policy

Florida has broad freedom of information legislation known as the 

“Sunshine Law.” The information which is required to register any 

premises is basic and not normally considered proprietary. Most producers 

would prefer that individual animal identification and destination data be 

considered proprietary information. In order to protect producer’s privacy, 

the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of 

Animal Industry, does not plan to become a manager of individual animal 

identification numbers or trade information.

Florida Statutes, Chapter 119.07 - Inspection and copying of records; 

photographing public records; fees; exemptions. 

119.07 (1)(a) Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit 

the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any 

reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the 

custodian of the public records. 
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Florida Cattle Identification Rule (Chapter 5C-31, F. A. C.) requires 

Official Identification of adult cattle (18 months and older) moving within 

Florida with limited exceptions, including: 

• Direct to slaughter movements

• Movements to an Approved Tagging Site

• Movement between premises under common ownership with no 

commingling as part of normal ranching management

4.7.4 Staffing

Existing DAI and USDA, APHIS, VS staff are currently utilized for 

implementing animal disease traceability. DAI staff at all levels supports 

traceability as a core component of the Division’s overall mission. 

Traceability is included as part of many activities of the Division. In 

addition, key staff members are identified as traceability program managers. 

Additional DAI and USDA staff would be needed to increase the scale of 

operations to include more data capture and data management and an 

increase in services provided.

4.7.5 Budget requirements

The DAI is funded primarily through general revenue dollars with no 

funding designated specifically for traceability. Only programs that are 

supported by fee-generated revenue are guaranteed to be funded. Costsharing is achieved via the use of general revenue monies. Existing funding 

will be utilized in support of traceability programs to the extent that funds 

are available. Much of the current work that is carried out for disease 

prevention and control involves traceability activities. 

4.7.6 Outreach 

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

DAI leverages multiple opportunities to provide information to 

accredited veterinarians. DAI and the Florida Veterinary Medical 

Association coordinate a continuing education conference which 

includes animal disease traceability and other program disease 

activities related to traceability as a key component. 

One on one communication with veterinarians is another 

opportunity to stress resources and important requirements of state 

and federal programs. Assistance with adoption of the electronic 

document submission is generally occurring in individual 

interactions with veterinarians. 

Distribution of the “no charge” RFID for use in replacement heifers 

has been a valuable tool to educate accredited veterinarians and to 

encourage some to become AIN Managers. Program activities such 

as Brucellosis Vaccination have also served as an opening to educate 

veterinarians about electronic data transfer and capture. 
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4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

As part of the Traceability Taskforce Pilot Projects, two Florida 

slaughter facilities have installed infrastructure to facilitate the 

capture of electronic identification. Current projects include 

collection of data from both low and ultra-high frequency 

technologies. 

Tag retirement at time of slaughter has been a struggle. Although 

infrastructure is in place at facilities, capture and transmission of 

information has been inconsistent. Due to the small number of 

RFID devices, it has not been a priority of facilities to capture the 

data. The lack of mandates or financial incentives to stimulate 

capture and transfer of data will make this a slow process. Slaughter 

facilities are not motivated to pay personnel time or server costs to 

facilitate the transmission of this data into federal system. The pilot 

project will demonstrate the readability and retention of a variety of 

RFID devices utilized in the identification of cattle moving to 

slaughter channels in multiple facilities. 

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

General outreach will continue to the extent possible through media 

and participation in producer meetings. DAI staff is involved with 

all types of producer groups of all types from various food animal, 

equine and poultry species. Staff is also in contact throughout the 

year with participants in numerous livestock shows, exhibitions and 

sales. These venues offer excellent outreach opportunities to a wide 

range of livestock owners.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Sciences is a major outreach partner in that information can be 

shared through their Cooperative Extension offices in every county. 

Outreach and education efforts also include the constituents of the 

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

The Florida Traceability Coordinating Group includes industry 

representatives who are key contacts with producer groups. 

Livestock market owners represent the needs of their customers who 

may not personally participate in meetings of the Traceability 

Group. These market customers will include producers of all sizes 

and interests.

Meetings of the Animal Disease Traceability Working Group are 

advertised in trade journals and the Florida Administrative Register. 

The meetings are open to the public and all interested parties are 

invited to participate.
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Industry has not been quick to recognize the need for the larger ADT 

program of birth to slaughter as insurance in case of a nebulous 

outbreak. Industry is looking for incentives to justify “buy in” to 

benefits of electronic identification and capture/transfer of data.

Value added programs can be a motivation for industry to adopt the 

technology and see tangible benefits. 

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity 

Florida’s record-keeping of interstate movements is greatly enhanced by 

our system of Agricultural Interdiction Stations which closely monitor 

interstate commerce.

The FDACS Monthly and Annual Reports show:

• Number of Interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and other 

interstate movement documents for movement into Florida 

• Number of Interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and other 

interstate movement documents for movement out of Florida 

• Numbers of animals by species and class for all interstate movements

• Interstate Certificates of Veterinary inspection are searchable by several 

parameters including: 

o Species

o State of origin and destination

o Date issued

o Indicator of whether official ID is included

• Volume and distribution of official identification devices is monitored 

and recorded in a USDA database (AINMs). 

• Data for all program disease work shows the numbers of traces initiated 

and the numbers of successful traces

V ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

• Maintain Current Animal Disease Traceability Infrastructure

o Continue Premises Identification and Registration

o Assist stakeholders in obtaining Official identification 

• Enhance Current Traceability Capability

o Assist transition of accredited veterinarians to electronic data 

capture and transfer 

o Migrate paper and share drive files into searchable databases

• Optimize the Acquisition and Search Capability of Animal Disease 

Traceability Data

o Capture distribution and utilization of Official Identification

o Maintain animal movement data in a searchable database

• Implement an outreach plan
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o Continue Industry Outreach and Involvement Through All 

Possible Means 

• Further Refine Tracing Capabilities and Procedures 

o Increase the utilization of official identification in Florida 

livestock

o Prepare livestock producers, markets, and shippers to meet 

future interstate movement requirements and to better insure 

traceability

5.2 Implementation of objectives

Objective 1 – Maintain Current Animal Disease Traceability Infrastructure

Five core components of Florida’s Traceability program are identified: 

1. Animal Disease Traceability Working Group

AITC Sub-Committee for Animal Disease Traceability

Conduit to share information with producers throughout the industry 

Seeks input from all industry segments 

Meetings are open to the public

2. Premises Registration 

Continue Premises Registration 

Maintain and Update data in Premises Management system

Register additional premises through all means available

3. Implementation of the Florida Cattle Identification Rule

Producer Education to facilitate compliance

Enforcement of the Rule

Assist producers in obtaining Official ID devices

4. Increase Search capability for existing records 

Develop system(s) to make paper files searchable electronically 

Encourage utilization of electronic data collection and storage

5. Increase Individual Animal Identification in Florida Livestock

Ensure that records are maintained for all tags distributed

Network with owners of captured individual animal movement data 

Encourage the utilization of electronic identification devices for 

official identification 

Objective 2 – Enhance Current Traceability Capability

Florida has documented effective response in foreign or program animal 

disease traceability. Examples of past challenges include: Equine Herpes

Virus, Contagious Equine Metritis, Equine Piroplasmosis, Equine 
22

Infectious Anemia, Pseudorabies, Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in sport cattle, 

Bovine TB in a large dairy herd, and traces of market cattle reactors.

Time required for response to traces depends on level of priority for each 

case. Florida has proven its ability to respond rapidly when circumstances 

warrant. Efforts are more focused on completeness and attention to detail 

than on speed.

The FDACS Annual Report records foreign animal disease traces for all 

program disease work. This data shows the numbers of traces initiated and 

the numbers of successful traces. These cases are entered into the EMRS.

Under cooperative agreements, Florida has established a distribution 

methodology and record capture system for official NUES “bright” tags. 

Participation by producers and veterinarians has increased significantly 

since official identification for movement is required. Distribution of these 

tags at no cost to the producer requires additional resources for tag 

distribution and record-keeping.

DAI continues to explore mechanisms to facilitate electronic transmission 

of more traceability data and migration to databases which connect to the 

AHER system. 

Objective 3 – Optimize the Acquisition and Search Capability of Animal 

Disease Traceability Data 

Florida has increased efforts to enhance electronic accessibility of 

traceability data associated with program disease work. Florida continues 

to support standardized traceability data entry of animal movement data into 

electronically searchable format. Florida continues to work with USDA to 

develop an automated system which specifically addresses animal disease 

traceability, including working with USDA ADT leads on various 

modernization projects and serve as beta testers for these new systems.

Florida will monitor compliance with federal requirements.

Test records for program disease work are recorded in the USDA databases 

which can be searched electronically. Florida is a consistent and successful 

user of these systems. This information can be searched to determine 

numbers of cases and numbers of animals. Implementation of CVI Central 

system, which does allow for the entry of movement data, provides a means 

for data capture that can be critical to successful traceability.

Efforts will be made to increase the utilization of Veterinary Services 

Process Streamlining (VSPS) for electronic certificates of veterinary 

inspection (eCVI) and to facilitate the utilization of electronic database by 
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practitioners. Other eCVI options are also shared with practitioners and 

utilization of eCVI has slowly increased. This will continue to require oneon-one assistance at the offices of practitioners who are involved in the 

interstate movement of livestock. Adoption of the electronic OCVI 

systems by veterinary practitioners has been slowly progressing. Many 

practitioners have expressed interest, but they require IT assistance and 

incentives to make investments in this technology. Increases have been 

incremental, and this program will require continued effort to help 

veterinary practitioners be successful in using the system.

Objective 4 – Implement an Outreach Plan to Include Accredited 

Veterinarians, Livestock Producers, Livestock Markets, and Producers of 

all Sectors.

Outreach will be needed to explain USDA plans for rule implementation 

and state actions to help producers meet traceability requirements.

Efforts will focus on outreach to make producers aware of the requirements 

for Official Identification. Emphasis will be placed on continuing to 

maintain a premises registration database. Additional emphasis will be 

placed on outreach and education to enable livestock producers to meet 

traceability requirements for implementation of state and federal 

regulations. State personnel will explain the shift to a state-tribal based 

system and the need for development of a plan to enhance traceability and 

potentially respond to new regulations that are enacted.

Specific outreach will continue to private veterinarians serving the cattle 

sector. Outreach to and through USDA Accredited Veterinarians will foster 

understanding of traceability by veterinarians and equip them to be animal 

identification resources for their customers. Program managers will be 

involved in training practitioners and their technicians in utilization of the 

VSPS. This will include the training and incentives to have data entry of 

OCVI information through eCVI data entry for shipments with inclusion of 

official identification. 

Outreach will include training of FDACS Agricultural Law Enforcement 

personnel at the FDACS Interdiction Stations to capture entry and export 

data. Improvements to the technology available at Interdiction Stations will 

improve the percentage of information captured.

Information is being provided to producers about identification methods 

which meet the requirements for official ID. Tags have been manufactured 

and recorded through an approved AIN manager to ensure data capture of 

correlated producer premises identification numbers and assigned tag 

numbers.
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Livestock market owners are represented on the ADT Working Group and 

are included in outreach efforts.

General outreach will continue to the extent possible with allowances for 

changes in state DAI budgets and Federal Cooperative Agreement funding. 

Priorities will include maintenance of premises identification infrastructure, 

premises renewals, and providing timely and accurate information to all 

stakeholders.

Outreach will include initiatives to encourage producers who have 

previously registered their premises to update their premises records as 

needed. DAI will continue to engage producers and industry stakeholders 

to seek feedback for improving traceability.