Advancing Animal Disease Traceability

(ADT) Road Map for

New Mexico

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

RALPH ZIMMERMAN, DVM

NEW MEXICO STATE VETERINARIAN

NEW MEXICO LIVESTOCK BOARD

2105 OSUNA RD. NE SOUTH BUILDING, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87113

505-841-6161

Submitted to:

PAUL SCIGLIBAGLIO, DVM

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR NEW MEXICO

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

100 SUN AVE., NE, SUITE 320, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109

505-313-8050

Date: February 3, 2023
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _________________________________________________________________ 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION ______________________________________________________ 5

2.1 Who are we?_____________________________________________________________________ 5

2.2 Where are we now? _______________________________________________________________ 7

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses _________________________________________________________ 9

2.4 Opportunities and Threats __________________________________________________________ 9

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment ____________________________ 10

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY _____________________________ 11

3.1 Vision and Mission Statement ______________________________________________________ 11

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS _________________________________________________________ 12

4.1 Strategic goal(s) _________________________________________________________________ 12

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives) ____________________________________________________ 12

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs) ____________________________________________ 13

4.4 Data requirements _______________________________________________________________ 14

4.5 Information technology plan _______________________________________________________ 16

4.6 Resource requirements____________________________________________________________ 17

4.7 Organizational needs _____________________________________________________________ 17

4.7.1 Executive support _____________________________________________________________ 18

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures ____________________________________________ 18

4.7.3 Policy _______________________________________________________________________ 18

4.7.4 Staffing ______________________________________________________________________ 19

4.7.5 Budget requirements___________________________________________________________ 19

4.7.6 Outreach (required to be addressed within the Road Map) ____________________________ 20

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity _________________________________ 22

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ____________________________________________________________ 23

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement _______________________________________________ 23

5.2 Implementation of objectives ______________________________________________________ 23
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

What is the fundamental problem(s) and key elements that this plan addresses?

This animal disease traceability road map outlines New Mexico’s plan for continued 

development of a record keeping and animal identification system designed to trace 

affected livestock in the event of a disease outbreak affecting the New Mexico 

livestock industries. Key elements of the plan involve identifying the individuals 

and contact information of those responsible for movement of covered species and 

identifying the premises of origin of individually identified animals. Initial major 

emphasis will be on the beef and dairy cattle industries, although the National 

Scrapie Surveillance Program ID will continue to be used to monitor sheep and goat 

movement. Movement of equines will also be monitored via EIA testing forms, use 

of ICVIs and entry permit numbers. 

In New Mexico, the state brand system will be used as the primary form of 

identification of persons responsible for livestock movement. In addition, the state’s 

livestock inspection system will provide a means of tracing movement of livestock 

both across state brand inspection districts (intrastate) and across state lines 

(interstate). Identification of animals will be based on the 840-coded AIN-system 

where applicable and the National Uniform Ear tagging System (NUES). 

Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) are in place with neighboring states to 

facilitate movement of animals when accompanied by a Certificate of Brand 

Inspection or ICVI. New Mexico endorses the use of ICVIs for all livestock crossing 

state borders. The state will continue to cultivate the excellent working relationship 

it currently maintains with sovereign nations and neighboring states.

What are the primary benefits?

The New Mexico Traceability Plan will benefit the State’s livestock industries by 

efficiently and accurately identifying affected animals in case of any disease 

outbreak in this country. The system will allow New Mexico producers to move 

livestock smoothly across state lines. Livestock movement records will be 

maintained in a state database.

How does this plan build upon previous efforts to advance animal disease 

traceability?

New Mexico is a brand state that uses a brand inspection system which is overseen 

by the New Mexico Livestock Board. This agency is unique in that it houses law 

enforcement officers, brand inspectors and veterinary services. The team of 

inspectors continuously patrol and perform inspections around the state to help keep 

NM livestock free from disease and safe from theft. The Livestock Board includes 

the Office of the State Veterinarian and runs as a separate agency from the 

Department of Agriculture. These different services collaborate to prevent the 

introduction and spread of disease. 
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How does this plan fit within USDA’s new framework for animal disease 

traceability?

In the interest of border safety, and traceability on the US side, a Southern Border 

Port Committee was put together by USDA, APHIS, VS to look at traceability 

issues, of Mexican origin cattle crossing at New Mexico ports. Through conversation 

amongst border State Veterinarians, receiving State Veterinarians, Mexican Cattle 

Union officials and the cattle brokers, a satisfactory system has morphed into place. 

This is based on the New Mexico Livestock Board inspection system and allows 

receiving states access to our server to view cattle traveling to their states, at their 

convenience (24/7 access). It took some tough conversations, and an in-person 

meeting with the president of the Chihuahua cattle Union in Chihuahua City, but all 

inspections are based on true and factual destination addresses. This has led to 

further conversation of EID on Mexican origin cattle, and electronic transfer of 

information, through the Binational Committee (BNC). At this point in time, cattle 

from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and some of the cattle from the Mexican State 

of Sonora, cross with RFID in place. The infrastructure to capture and relay the 

individual ID of every head of cattle getting on each truck leaving the ports, is not in 

place yet so the need for the official export blue tag remains. A true manifest for 

each load leaving the ports (as opposed to tag ranges listed on and import CVI) 

would simplify traceability of imported Mexican cattle. Currently, the number of all 

the 17-30’s (Import CVI’s) that have an animal represented in that load, must be on 

the inspection form. 

How does this plan support animal health information systems within the 

State/Tribe/Territory?

The 17-30s, imported cattle inspections, brand inspections and ICVIs written by NM 

accredited veterinarians and out-of-state veterinarians are captured and processed in 

the New Mexico Livestock Board database and can be readily shared with other state 

and federal agencies as the need arises. Official ID (blue export tags, NUES tags and 

RFIDs) are searchable in the state database. 

How does this plan support animal health information needs with other 

States/Tribes/Territories and USDA nationally?

New Mexico supports the free exchange of open information with its trading 

partners, neighbors, and the federal government. This plan will allow the State to 

continue to track movement of livestock both within the state and as animals move 

across state lines. Animals coming off sovereign Tribal land, still need to meet the 

requirements of New Mexico and receiving states.

What alternatives were explored?

No new alternatives are being explored; however, expansion and implementation of 

the current methodologies are an integral part of this traceability plan. We are 

assisting New Mexico producers in taking advantage of APHIS provided EID (Low 

Frequency Buttons), to encourage expansion of EID prior to it becoming mandatory. 

With the publication of the “new” ADT rule, we are closer to this goal. If we are 

going to let industry decide, access to other modalities such as UHF would have been 
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beneficial. New Mexico has approximately 130 licensed dairy herds, with the largest 

average herd size (2,357) in the nation. New Mexico is currently ranked 9th in the 

nation for milk production and 4th in the nation for cheese production. Today, there 

are more than 1.4 million cattle and over 10,000 cattle ranches in New Mexico. In a 

state with such large cattle operations, UHF technology might be more beneficial, 

with more value added. 

What are the projected costs for FY2023, FY2024, and FY2025, and benefits? 

FY2023: 

$75,000: This cost includes the $57,000 from the ADT Cooperative Agreement 

funding from APHIS in addition to costs associated with maintaining IT capabilities, 

IT personnel and infrastructure in preserving the Animal Disease Traceability 

system. We expanded and updated the server for our inspection process in 2019 and 

continue to tweak and expand capabilities in 2023. In June of 2022, our aging main 

servers (installed October 2015) were replaced with state funding through a onetime 

allocation of $227,039. Through our ADT Cooperative agreement, New Mexico has 

purchased EID readers to have the capability available in all New Mexico inspection 

districts (26) and available at our livestock auctions. We also have enough readers to 

supply veterinarians in our State ALIRT (Agriculture Livestock Incident Response 

Team) program, who are positioned around the state. Thanks to past ADT funding all 

NMLB inspectors are using new or updated ruggedized laptops for real time 

information exchange. A portion of our ADT funding is used to replace supplies 

such as tablets, ruggedized laptops and printers for Livestock Inspectors and Brand 

Inspectors. Life on the road creates a hostile environment for printers and laptops. As 

was done for replacing our servers, large budget items are generally replaced with 

one time state funded allocations. We will need to look at funding EID purchases, 

but hopefully these can be covered by state allocations. 

FY2024: 

$75,000: This cost is the same as for FY2023 and covers maintenance of the 

previously established program, and possible purchase of UHF or dual handheld 

readers if our beef producers move towards that modality. 

FY2025: 

$75,000: This cost is the same as the previous years and covers maintenance of the 

previously established program. 

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

Who are the primary constituents?

The primary constituents of the plan are the Board of Directors of the New 

Mexico Livestock Board, its staff of state regulatory veterinarians, the 

team of full-time inspectors and part time deputy inspectors, and the 
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support staff at the New Mexico Livestock Board. There is an open 

position for an Emergency Management coordinator who would also fill a 

role as an animal ID specialist. 

Who are the external constituents?

External constituents consist of individual producers of covered species 

located throughout the state, the commodity support associations 

representing the various covered species, the governmental representatives 

of the tribal groups in New Mexico, the accredited veterinarians serving 

covered species, the staff at the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 

the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and New Mexico State 

University.

What does statewide, tribal-wide, territory-wide mean?

Statewide simply means within the state lines of this or other states, 

excluding the tribal lands of sovereign nations who have not entered into a 

cooperative relationship with the state concerning regulations pertaining to 

livestock inspection, movement and documentation. 

How are traceability data used internally, externally?

Traceability data is used to enforce the state’s regulations concerning 

livestock movement, to trace disease suspects, to identify possibly 

exposed herds, and to meet the requirements of states exporting animals 

into New Mexico or importing animals from New Mexico. Tribal groups 

typically cooperate with the state by registering brands and complying 

with the state livestock movement laws. The New Mexico Livestock 

Board is bound by state statutes to cooperate with all Native American 

tribes in this respect.

What values guide the animal disease traceability system?

The Livestock Board responds to the needs of the state’s livestock 

industries. Input received from producers and accredited veterinarians is 

implemented to enhance traceability.

What is the make-up of the animal disease traceability advisory 

group? How and how often are they engaged?

The New Mexico Animal Identification Stakeholders Advisory Committee 

consists of representatives of the state livestock commodity associations 

including the Cattle Growers’, Wool Growers, Dairy Producers, the State 

Veterinary Medical Association, the NM Cooperative Extension Service, 

the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, The US Forest Service, the 

Livestock Auction Markets, the NM Farm and Livestock Bureau, the NM 

State Land Office, the NM Horse Council, and the NM Native American 

Tribal Groups. These groups were asked to name representatives to the 

advisory committee. We have regular phone conversations, and quarterly 

meetings with many of the members, but because of the size of the group 
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and difficulty in scheduling meetings, we rarely meet as an entire group. 

There is at least, annual contact with each of the members.

2.2 Where are we now?

How is animal disease traceability currently defined? Is it viewed as a 

cross-cutting component to animal health information systems? Is it 

viewed as a stand-alone initiative?

Animal disease traceability is defined in NM as the ability to locate 

animals and the producers responsible for those animals. It is primarily 

used for tracking animal movements and disease outbreaks related to 

exposure by commingling both within the state and across state lines. It 

also gives us the information needed to enforce our animal movement 

statutes and rules.

What measures of traceability capability are currently being used? 

What are the specific values and associated interpretation?

New Mexico is a brand state. According to statute “... the board is the sole 

authority for the registration of brands, marks or electronic identification 

on livestock in this state”. Brand is defined as “...a symbol or device in a 

form approved by and recorded with the Board as may be sufficient to 

readily distinguish livestock should they become intermixed with other 

livestock.” Mark is defined as “... an ear tag or ownership mark that is 

not a brand.” 

The brand database contains over 30,000 designs owned by the livestock 

producers. Brand inspectors are outfitted with portable modern technology 

that enables them to enter activities in real time. Livestock moving across 

district lines and state lines must be inspected upon arrival and departure 

by a livestock inspector. The inspection reports are all identified by the 

GPS coordinates where livestock are located. 

How is coordination being currently achieved within the unit?

All inspection reports are uploaded electronically daily to the Livestock 

Board mainframe computer. The New Mexico State Veterinarian’s office 

and the Livestock Board staff are housed at the same location, simplifying 

communication.

How is coordination being currently achieved state-wide, tribal-wide, 

territory-wide?

All animal movement data generated by state livestock inspectors is 

downloaded to the Livestock Board IT infrastructure and available upon 

request.

How does the present unit coordinate activities with other existing 

agencies/units?
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Livestock movement needs, concerns, and documentation are shared with 

other states and tribal units as needed. New Mexico gladly assists tribal 

governments when assistance is requested. 

What standards for traceability are currently being used? Are they 

appropriate?

Standards for traceability involve compliance with federal and state 

regulations which include entry permit numbers for livestock traveling 

into New Mexico, submission of ICVIs, and import/export inspections. 

Free exchange of information amongst trading partners and neighbors and 

MOUs with said groups are important sources of information to meet 

traceability requirements. 

What is the state of technology infrastructure? Capability in terms of 

size? Compatibility within and outside the agency/unit/department 

for sharing data when needed?

The NMLB maintains an extensive database housed in Albuquerque on a 

robust server and network infrastructure. All data from animal disease 

testing and livestock inspections performed in the field is maintained in 

searchable form in the database. Outside access to web interfaces to the 

agency database is available as needed. Examples include online permit 

access and reports on livestock movement at a local, state, and interstate 

level. The New Mexico Livestock Board employs full time staff who can 

interchange data readily using any of the various standard data interchange 

methods. The agency’s infrastructure, including staff, servers, network, 

and existing programs is robust, and the ability and willingness to securely 

exchange data with others is very strong.

Are requests for information available 24/7, or only available M-F, 40 

hours per week, if authorized personnel are present?

Access to the Livestock Board database is available on a 24/7 basis, as 

requested by other states and tribal groups. Although animal health 

officials are generally available during regular business hours, state 

veterinarians and staff responsible for electronic data accessibility are 

available on call for emergency situations. An after-hours permit line is 

available 24/7 and permits can be created online by private practitioners at 

any time. Counties and other states that have established login credentials 

in the system can access New Mexico’s livestock movement data anytime.

What is the impact of state, tribe, or territory funding on capability? 

How does Federal funding fit into the plan?

The ability of this state to efficiently conduct an Animal Disease 

Traceability program is totally dependent on Cooperative Agreement 

funding from USDA. The New Mexico Livestock Board is primarily 

financed by user fees, brand registration, property taxes, and limited state 

funding, and has not been subsidized by the New Mexico Legislature. The 
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agency has been actively lobbying for increased funding through the state 

legislative process. We have received one-time allocations for specific 

projects but have asked for budget increases to maintains the programs. 

We are gaining better access to our legislators, and building relationships 

is helping us move forward financially.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

What are the strengths of the organization in terms of technology, 

human resources, personnel capabilities, etc.?

New Mexico’s strengths concerning animal disease traceability lie in the 

state-of-the-art livestock inspection system as summarized in section 2.2 

above. The agency has mandatory inspections into and out of the state’s 

26 livestock inspection districts. The personnel strengths and willingness 

allow the agency the ability to accomplish a lot with a little. Having our 

Livestock Inspectors based throughout the 26 Inspection Districts 

statewide, gives us constant feedback on what is happening around the 

state. Living in the communities statewide, our inspectors can keep up 

with issues as they arise.

What are the weaknesses in terms of “lack of” technology, human 

resources, personnel capabilities, etc.?

Inadequate funding is always a factor. As requirements for animal disease 

traceability increase, staffing shortfalls with respect to field personnel 

become apparent as the heavy load of inspections required for fall 

movement of cattle occurs. Lack of manpower and the large land areas 

that must be covered by each inspector place a heavy burden on resources. 

The Office of the State Veterinarian is understaffed to meet the current 

needs. Three veterinarians (the State Animal Health Official and two field 

veterinarians), an administrative assistant, and a part time data entry 

person are presently the staff of the Office of the State Veterinarian.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Does this plan enable or avoid consequences of potential threats?

Animals that are individually identified can typically be traced back to an 

owner successfully thereby mitigating consequences of potential threats. 

in a timely manner. The structure of our agency makes it easier to respond 

to natural catastrophes, and human resources can be shifted quickly to 

where they are needed, as was the case in the summer of 2022 with 

response to several major wildfires: cattle were moved, fed and watered 

when owners could not return to areas restricted by firefighting efforts. As 

a brand state, herds commingled during evacuation are easily sorted by 

brand.
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Does this plan provide for better use of available resources than 

current approaches?

The basic goal of this plan is to readily trace animals in groups and 

individually. Traceability is dependent upon the effectiveness of 

identifying individuals, capturing that identification. 

Does this plan enhance networking opportunities?

Access to the New Mexico Livestock Board database is consistently 

available to other states and tribal groups. This access encourages 

information sharing and communication between state animal health 

organizations. Networking with neighboring State Animal Health Officials 

has been beneficial.

If this plan is not implemented, what are the threats?

Traceability would be threatened, expediency would be affected and 

livestock industries in the state and receiving states would suffer 

tremendous economic losses due to the inability or delay in the movement 

of animals. If severe enough, delays or halts to movements could lead to 

welfare concerns caused by overcrowding or feeding. 

If this plan is not implemented, will others be tasked with doing so?

The New Mexico Livestock Board is by state statute the only organization 

responsible for control of livestock movement.

Have previous efforts to coordinate with other entities within the 

applicant’s boundaries, and outside the applicant’s boundaries, been 

complicated or unavailable for not having this plan in place?

No; coordination with tribal entities has taken place on various occasions 

regarding educational outreach, brand registration, Premises Identification 

Number (PIN) registration and livestock movement. New Mexico has the 

largest livestock port in the nation. As mentioned previously, we have had 

success with traceability of imported Mexican feeder cattle.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

Human resources: 

The financial opportunity for continued operation of a national animal 

identification program is totally dependent on continued funding in terms 

of the Federal Cooperative Agreement. Additional support for office staff, 

funding for travel, educational outreach for livestock producers and 

continuing education for field personnel and accredited veterinarians is of 

paramount importance.

Space availability:

In June of 2021, the New Mexico Livestock Board moved to a new 

building with more available space. Programs such as the State Meat 
11

Inspection program, are being incorporated into the New Mexico 

Livestock Board. The server capacity will allow for expansion of ADT 

abilities and IT services.

Connectivity resources, both in office and in the field:

Connectivity resources are not a concern in the field. Inspectors can work 

offline and synch their computers to the main server daily. All inspectors 

are equipped with ruggedized laptop notebooks for entering country? 

inspections in the field.

Access to USDA animal disease traceability and animal health 

information resources:

Direct access to USDA servers is difficult for state employees due to the 

federal security system in place. However, communication via email or 

phone with federal staff is excellent and information can be retrieved and 

verified in a timely manner.

Organization of all existing paper record systems used to access animal 

disease traceability or animal health information: Reliance on paper 

records has been reduced to a minimum. Due to technological advances 

and the favorable acceptance of electronic capabilities by many producers 

and veterinarians, manual data entry has been greatly reduced and 

information sharing has improved significantly. The Office of the State 

Veterinarian is encouraging the use of eCVI’s by not charging user fees. 

Paper documents submitted to the agency are processed and linked to 

search criteria to enable faster retrieval. 

Computerized data management capability, including present storage 

size, speed, security, etc.:

The New Mexico Livestock Board has extensive capabilities in this area. 

All the livestock movement records, brand ownership records, quarantine 

information, and animal disease testing records are electronic. The agency 

scans documents such as out-of-state ICVIs, EIA forms and NPIP VS 9-3 

forms extensively and uses databases to retrieve and review the 

information. The state has an automated interface into Global Vet Link’s 

CVI records for New Mexico. All the livestock inspectors have logins to 

access the data they need on the servers. The New Mexico Livestock 

Board has >100 TB of storage capability with significant growth capacity 

available. Appropriate security measures for maintenance of electronic 

data are in place.

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision and Mission Statement
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Our mission is to protect the integrity of New Mexico's livestock industry. 

Our team of about sixty full time inspectors and another sixty full and part 

time deputies continuously patrol and perform inspections around our state 

to help keep our livestock free from disease and safe from theft. These 

inspection protocols provide the opportunity to make sure our entry 

requirements have been met. We are also the Office of the State 

Veterinarian, whose team collaborates with various government and 

private sector partners to ensure that our state remains free of diseases. We 

have been encouraged by industry to increase law enforcement activities, 

which has increased identification of illegal movements.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

The following categories must be described in the Road Map:

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

The goal of the New Mexico Livestock Board is to continue to develop 

and upgrade a statewide infrastructure for advancing animal disease 

traceability compatible with state, tribe, territory, and USDA standards.

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

FY2023- 2025

The groundwork has already been laid. Currently, the goals include 

increasing implementation of basic ADT concepts.

Goal: Continue to provide outreach information to producers and 

veterinarians concerning the Animal Disease Traceability Program. 

Industry and their representative organizations, as well as sale yards must 

be included in outreach.

Goal: Enhance compliance with ADT programs through both 

international terrestrial ports to the level that is expected in the rest of the 

state. There is a federal project underway at the Port of Santa Teresa to 

install readers at a funnel point to loading ramps, so that a complete list of 

all animals by RFID tag will be made for each load leaving the port. Dr 

Burke Healey is working with port management on reader location, 

information processing, and who will receive the information. Once Santa 

Teresa is up and running, outfitting the smaller Port of Columbus, should 

be less challenging. 

Goal: Enhancement of electronic data sharing among Federal and State 

animal health officials, veterinarians, and industry: including sharing basic 

ADT data with AHER. Initially we are seeking access to AHER for Dr.

Eckhoff and the veterinary administrative assistants to keep up with 
13

information sharing. We currently share information with many states in 

whatever format they request.

Goal: To increase the use of EID in preparation for mandatory EID for 

interstate travel, for the more efficient transmission of data. The EID 

distribution is attracting producer interest thanks to agency efforts to 

promote the use of electronic tags. Gaining producer buy-in has been 

challenging but is moving forward.

Goal: Enhancing the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter by 

strengthening our ability to capture data. Working with our saleyards will 

be crucial to capturing data points. Currently, sale barn records are paper 

based, but the agency is looking to enhance the inspection system to 

generate the electronic transmission of saleyard information. Industry buyin is still pending. 

Goal: Encouraging veterinarians to use eCVI’s to transmit CVI 

information electronically to SAHO’s. Because the entry permit system is, 

as defined by NM statute, used to notify Livestock Inspectors to perform 

import inspections, so entry permit requirements cannot be altered. We are 

looking for other ways to incentivize our accredited veterinarians to get 

away from paper by charging for the use of books. There has been a shift 

towards electronic CVI’s in recent years, particularly by newer 

generations of veterinarians who do not rely heavily on paper record 

keeping.

We have a solid start with our IT system and great IT staff to work with. 

We will need to put some work into bringing our saleyards on board, but 

the information technology plan covers this issue to some extent. We do 

monitor ICVI data compliance and reach out to accredited veterinarians 

regarding issues, and their SAHO if they are chronic offenders. It’s 

difficult to predict how much of the effort will be done in each of 3 years, 

but I foresee the first year being the toughest lift with some of our 

saleyards being tough to deal with. We will issue equipment but realize 

that government interference is not always appreciated. We need to 

establish a workable advisory committee, because the current committee is 

too large to manage. We will add a budget request (state) for RFID tags, to 

replace the NUES tags currently in use. The second year will allow for 

some fine tuning and policy modification where necessary.

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

There are four animal disease traceability performance measures used for 

documenting progress and accountability in New Mexico. 
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• The first performance measure reflects the time it takes to 

determine the state where the imported animal was officially 

identified. 

• The second performance measure defines the amount of time 

required to determine the physical location in the state where the 

animal was identified.

• The third performance measure establishes the time required to 

identify the state an imported animal was moved from when it 

moved interstate.

• The fourth performance measure determines the time it takes to 

find the physical location an exported animal was shipped from 

when it moved interstate.

How has performance been measured to date?

Performance has been measured by retrieval of pertinent animal ID 

information, and origin and destination of the shipment within a given 

time by using internal databases. There were no concerns identified on our 

most recent 2022-2023 TPM report. We frequently need to trace 

individual animals for disease traces (TB, EIA), and get requests to do the 

same for staff at our VS office.

What is the current baseline? Measures should be offered as 

performance per unit of time.

The current baseline for tracing animals in New Mexico is less than an 

hour. Animals that are not officially identified pose an entirely different 

challenge. The time required to trace these animals by paper trails will be 

totally dependent on the number of traces required, ranging from minutes 

for single individuals to longer periods of time for large numbers. Our part 

time data entry person understands her role well and has become 

competent with traces. This contract employee is available due to funding 

in our ADT Cooperative Agreement.

If the four recommended performance measures are not used, when 

will they be used? 

The four recommended performance measures are in place and in use.

4.4 Data requirements

Fully describe standards to be used for location identification, if used.

Valuable traceability data is collected electronically and in paper format. 

Although the state continues to encourage electronic format whenever 

possible, paper will continue to be scanned and processed and integrated 

in developing animal disease traceability information. Searchable criteria 

include the name of the veterinarian, consignor and consignee 

information, animal identification, physical descriptions of livestock and 
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entry permit numbers on imported animals. Location identification will be 

by PIN/LID or GPS coordinates (inspection forms).

Fully describe standards to be used for official animal identification, 

including arrangements with other States, Tribes, Territories, as well 

as official identification methods/devices used within the cooperator’s 

jurisdiction. 

Although New Mexico is a brand state, it recognizes all forms of official 

identification as approved by USDA. The state allows commuter herd 

agreements with neighboring states and has MOUs in place with other 

states to ease commerce and traceability. We are starting with LF RFID 

tags and will remain open to any other EID approved as Official ID.

What tag distribution record keeping systems will be used?

Tag distribution is performed by the office staff. Tag ranges are recorded 

in an internal database and trace the distribution to the accredited 

veterinarian. The receiving practitioner maintains records of distribution to 

the producer. Information will be uploaded in AHER.

What data requirements exist for commuter herd agreements?

Commuter herd agreements are required to list the name of the person 

responsible, their contact information, the individual or group/lot 

identification including brands, and the Premises Identification Number 

(PIN) or GPS coordinates of both the originating and target premises. The 

proposed rules provide for an exemption stating that ICVIs are not 

required for animals moving as a commuter herd if accompanied by the 

commuter herd agreement and an inspection. Commuter herds move 

under brand requirements. Since Colorado requires official calfhood 

vaccination, all Colorado cows are identified with official bangs ear tags.

What forms are approved for interstate movement in addition to 

ICVIs?

Forms for export to other states are determined by the receiving states.

All species: Brand inspection certificate (as approved by shipping and 

receiving states).

Cattle, sheep, and goats: Commuter herd agreement.

Equines: Form 1 (as approved by shipping and receiving states).

Poultry: NPIP VS Form 9-3 or as required by shipping and receiving 

states.

How and when will data be shared with other States, Tribes, 

Territories, and USDA? 

Data will be shared as requested. Multiple formats are available for 

information transfer, so the agency requesting information can choose the 

format.
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4.5 Information technology plan

Hardware

The New Mexico Livestock Board IT hardware needs have, in general, 

been met with State resources. In 2022, we replaced all our hyperconverged servers with state appropriation funds. This refresh allowed us 

to replace end of life server appliances and networking equipment with 

new security compliance and expanded processing and storage capabilities 

This environment refresh will serve us well into 2027. This upgrade also 

boosted our backup capabilities to an offsite datacenter housed by the NM 

Department of Information Technology. Backups to this site occur 

incrementally 24/7. This assures that we can maintain business continuity 

during a downtime event of our production environment. 

In 2023, we have applied for State appropriation funds to do a complete 

refresh of our end user hardware assets. This includes our inspector field 

tablets/laptops and administration laptops/desktops. Again, this refresh 

should serve us well into 2027. We would apply any federal funds for 

hardware (supplies) to supplemental hardware, such as new positions that 

may be created to bolster our staff that participate in ADT activities, i.e., 

Emergency Manager, Staff Veterinarians, Border Crossing Staff, 

Contractors, etc. This amount would be estimated at similar levels that we 

have previously applied for in past plans; however, this amount may be 

adjusted as necessary.

Software

We have used past ADT funding to maintain our subscriptions and 

agreements for the applications we utilize to capture, store, and process 

ADT data. Our intention for 2023-2025, is to keep using this funding for 

these resources. This includes our internal processing and workflow 

application (Filemaker), our animal inspection system for field inspectors 

(Adesso/XForms), and our virtual environment platform to maintain our 

data banks/processing/disaster recovery (VmWare). 

Updates to our animal inspection system for field inspectors is ongoing. 

We intend to replace our aging platform Adesso with XForms. This 

upgrade will allow for expansion capabilities in the way we capture 

animal ID and traceability information in the field. The application allows 

for customization at our agency level which will assist in accommodating 

future traceability needs.

In conclusion, the New Mexico Livestock Board will closely follow our 

past requests for ADT IT funding and with our State Resources will be 

future proofed well into 2027. Our capabilities to capture and process 

traceability data is enhanced by the ADT funding we receive. 
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4.6 Resource requirements

Is specific expertise needed that is not currently available?

No, if the need arises a position can be created or, if a full-time position 

cannot be filled, contract labor can be utilized. We have expanded 

positions in the IT department, allowing smooth communication both 

within the agency and outside the agency.

Will consultants be needed?

The agency will continue to use available consultants from the industry 

including Global Animal Management, Global Vet Link, Fort Supply, 

Allflex Inc., and any other companies that can provide needed 

information.

Is a continuity of operation plan (COOP) in place and how frequently 

is it tested?

A contingency plan is on file with the New Mexico Department of 

Agriculture and is updated as needed. In spring of 2022, we participated in 

a FMD tabletop exercise that had a twist with our information systems 

being hacked. This was the most recent test of our continuity of operation 

plan. Our state IT group has been tightening up security for all agency 

computer and IT systems use.

4.7 Organizational needs

Does a need for organizational change exist? Is it recognized?

No organizational changes have been identified at this time. We have a 

strong and active administrative team, and looking forward to address 

needs, rather than knee-jerk responses, has become the norm. Our 

administrative team is very cohesive, and work well together at problem 

solving and decision making.

Can additional resources be leveraged within the current 

administrative structure?

Currently, operational resources are limited and are not likely to be 

leveraged further. Due to poor fiscal planning on the part of the state, 

operational resources have been decreased, but movement recently has 

been more positive. With the increase in oil and fuel prices, taxes on 

petroleum products have increased revenues available to state agencies. As 

we improve our legislative relationships, we hope to continue to increase 

our slice of the pie. Our administrative team is very active in pursuing 

funds from our legislative body. This administrative group is the most 

politically active team in the history of the agency.
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4.7.1 Executive support

Is additional support from executive management needed?

Livestock Board management, including the Board of Directors, 

are highly supportive of the general concept of the Plan. 

Additional support is provided by the Secretary of Agriculture 

and members of his department. With a change in state politics, 

we have a new Board, and a new Executive Director. This has 

been a very positive move, and we are better positioned to move 

forward as an agency.

How is accountability provided?

Accountability is provided via input to the Board of Directors at 

board meetings, and producer input through the State 

Veterinarian and The NMLB Executive Director.

How are officials briefed on progress and baseline measures 

of performance?

Officials are updated at regular board meetings, industry 

meetings, and by regular reports to the Governor’s office.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

How are emergency preparedness resources engaged or 

responded to when necessary?

There is a robust interagency support system in place. This 

system includes the NM Dept. of Agriculture, the NM 

Department of Health, NM State University, Agriculture 

Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) veterinarians, the 

NMLB, all branches of NM law enforcement and federal 

partners. We have funded an Emergency Management 

Coordinator position but have not yet hired a qualified 

individual.

4.7.3 Policy

How do existing mandates assist, limit, or modify what is 

intended to be achieved?

New Mexico statutes are entirely supportive of the Plan as 

anticipated. We have had difficulty with the slow pace of the IES 

system and are looking at potential rule changes to support 

enforcement of ADT requirements, locally.

Is there a need to address any specific mandates and act to 

modify them to align them with current goals and objectives?
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See above.

4.7.4 Staffing

The New Mexico Livestock Board is, by statute, the sole 

authority for animal identification in the State. As such, the 

staffing for this Plan is a normal extension of duties of the entire 

personnel staff of the New Mexico Livestock Board. 

Justification for implementation of the Plan and qualifications of 

staff are not a matter of concern. As mentioned earlier, we are 

seeking a Livestock Emergency Manager to update response 

plans and help with ADT issues.

4.7.5 Budget requirements

How are you funded for animal disease traceability? State, 

Tribe, Territory versus Federal?

The New Mexico Livestock Board including the State 

Veterinarian’s Office is primarily funded with user fees, a 

limited amount of state funding, and Federal Cooperative 

Agreements. The Animal Disease Traceability Cooperative 

Agreement provides the bulk of the funding for this plan.

What are the funding requirements projected by year for 

FY2023- 2025? 

This question was addressed in the Executive Summary section

of the Road Map.

How is cost sharing achieved?

Cost sharing is achieved through the Animal Disease 

Traceability Cooperative Agreement and state input.

How can the applicant insulate against budget cuts and 

shortfalls?

The current economic situation dictates that increases in 

personnel must be matched with additional funding. State and 

Livestock Board resources are stretched to the limit. Our new 

Board and Executive Director have been very active in attempts 

to secure increased funding. Educating our Legislators about our 

agency and the role we play in protecting animal health and 

supporting our animal industries has been a beneficial step in 

increasing our funding. Our fee-based services are limited by 

statute regarding fee increases, so we are working on a plan to 

increase inspection fees to help increase agency revenues.

Can other funding sources be leveraged to support this plan?
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See above.

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

[Successful implementation of any plan to advance ADT cannot 

be achieved without outreach to constituents primarily affected by 

the plan.]

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

Continuing education in the form of certifications 

are offered yearly to new veterinarians. Additional 

outreach is scheduled as funding becomes available. 

Seminars are often scheduled with the assistance of 

the New Mexico State University Cooperative 

Extension service and other commodity 

organizations. 

What continuing education is being planned for 

improving data quality relative to animal health 

information systems being used? Submitting 

official forms in a timely manner?

In-house educational efforts will be continuous. 

Periodic training sessions for livestock inspectors 

and accredited veterinarians are held as funding 

permits. The New Mexico Livestock Board has an 

active collaborative relationship with the Board of 

Veterinary Medicine and the State Veterinary 

Medical Association. Issues regarding appropriate 

documentation are dealt with on an individual basis.

What role, if any, does the accredited 

veterinarian have in providing low-cost, official 

identification tags/devices to producers?

Accredited veterinarians will continue to attach the 

state numerically coded program tags (85) as in the 

past. These tags will continue to be distributed to 

veterinarians by the Livestock Board and APHIS. 

With the pending ADT rule changes, we will need 

to hold both producer and accredited veterinarian 

meetings to share the changes coming and help 

identify the roles of both groups in successfully 

moving forward. We have been trying to keep both 

groups informed as to potential changes through 

presentations at producer and other industry 

meetings. We have several accredited veterinarians 

that provide lower cost RFID tags to their 
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producers. By pooling resources, larger numbers of 

tags provide lower prices.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

New Mexico conducts educational meetings with 

these markets on an individual basis as time and 

funding allows. We try to visit each market at least 

quarterly. Our inspectors are on site every sale day 

and facilitate cooperation and communication as 

issues or concerns arise.

What is the plan for accessing or requesting 

traceability information from livestock markets?

New Mexico requires on-site veterinary presence 

and inspection of all livestock consigned to 

livestock markets. The on-site veterinarian is 

responsible for all movement control of consigned 

animals. It is mandatory that all livestock moving 

through markets have USDA official identification, 

accomplished by existing metal and other official 

forms of identification and brands. Livestock 

market partnership will be crucial for appropriate 

tagging in the future. As mentioned earlier, the 

inspection system changes should be able to provide 

electronic transfer of tag information.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

See 4.7.6.1. The same conditions apply.

How is industry being informed of the 

implementation plan?

The organizations representing the various livestock 

commodities are serving as a source of information 

for the livestock industries. The agency will 

continue to interact with those organizations and 

provide them with updated information concerning 

the Animal Disease Traceability program. Periodic 

updates will be made via the New Mexico 

Stockman magazine.

What constitutes industry? What species are 

involved?
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How are under-represented and under-served 

communities being included in the outreach plan?

Livestock industries in New Mexico consist of beef 

and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, swine, poultry, 

equines, and minor species including cervids and 

camelids. Under-represented and under-served 

groups can most effectively be reached through the 

Cooperative Extension Service. Several of our 

Native Pueblos are raising bison as a meat source 

and source for materials for traditional and religious 

items. The State Veterinarian and the State 

Extension Veterinarian have been providing herd 

health information through their local extension 

agent. Community outreach in the form of webinars 

and talks is provided by the Office of the State 

Veterinarian.

New Mexico lacks slaughter plants of any 

significant size, and most cattle are slaughtered out 

of state. NMLB is currently establishing a State 

Meat Inspection program which will give us greater 

access to tag information from our slaughter plants. 

We currently have inspections available for cattle 

going to slaughter and will reach out to our smaller 

plants as changes take place by visiting plants and 

speaking with owners/managers.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

How will the number of animals and the number of shipments be 

monitored that move interstate?

Inspection and reporting of all imports and exports of livestock is 

mandatory. These inspections are conducted by Livestock Board 

inspectors and are reported daily and can be queried easily by the IT staff. 

Additionally, ICVIs capture the information required regarding movement 

of animals.

How will the data be verified or validated?

Data is reported electronically and validated by comparison with paper 

documents that follow.

The following data must be reported for quarterly reports:

• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents 

created within the State/Tribe/Territory on a year-to-date basis for 

move-out animals.
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• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents 

received for move-in animal.

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

associated with ICVIs and other interstate movement documents, 

indicating the number of animals officially identified and the 

number not officially identified.

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

associated with ICVIs and other interstate movement documents, 

indicating the number of animals officially identified and the 

number not officially identified.

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

What specific steps are needed to advance from where the initiative 

currently resides?

1. Continue to capture and monitor data from incoming and outgoing 

ICVIs.

2. Continue to implement an individual identification system for all 

livestock species, based on EID. 

3. Continue to enforce federal requirements for interstate movement 

of livestock. The wording and requirements of the final ADT rule 

will dictate necessary changes to our ADT response in general and 

incorporate EID specifically.

4. Conduct educational outreach programs for producers, accredited 

veterinarians, livestock inspectors, livestock markets, and slaughter 

plants.

5. Initiate MOUs with neighboring states to encourage livestock 

movement and traceability in underserved areas.

6. All aspects of the ADT plan are interrelated and of equal 

importance to the success of the plan. There will need to be a 

concentrated effort on transition, acceptance, and implementation 

by our sale yards and small slaughter plants. These will need to be 

measured by variable successes but will be time limited as well.

5.2 Implementation of objectives

Objectives have been or are already being implemented. Changes to 

implementation may take place based on interest and need of the 

stakeholders, and other governmental partners. Acceptance of changes and 

implementation of new information pathways at markets will be the top 

priority in the first year. Nearly everything else is in place and should 

follow along smoothly. The first year will be the toughest and will clarify

what objectives will be of priority for the following two years.