Advancing Animal Disease Traceability

(ADT) Road Map for

North Dakota

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

DR. ETHAN ANDRESS, DVM

NORTH DAKOTA STATE VETERINARIAN

ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION OF THE NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AND NORTH DAKOTA STATE BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH

600 EAST BOULEVARD, BISMARCK, ND 58502

701-328-2655

Submitted to:

DR. LYNN TESAR, DVM

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR ND AND SD

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

USDA APHIS VS FIELD OPERATIONS

314 SOUTH HENRY STREET; SUITE 100

PIERRE, SD 57501 605-224-6186

Date: 3/28/2022
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _________________________________________________________________ 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION ______________________________________________________ 4

2.1 Who are we?_____________________________________________________________________ 4

2.2 Where are we now? _______________________________________________________________ 5

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses _________________________________________________________ 7

2.4 Opportunities and Threats __________________________________________________________ 7

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment _____________________________ 8

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ______________________________ 9

3.1 Vision Statement _________________________________________________________________ 9

3.2 Mission Statement _______________________________________________________________ 10

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS _________________________________________________________ 11

2.1 Strategic goal(s) _________________________________________________________________ 11

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives) ____________________________________________________ 12

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs) ____________________________________________ 14

4.4 Data requirements _______________________________________________________________ 14

4.5 Information technology plan _______________________________________________________ 15

4.6 Resource requirements____________________________________________________________ 15

4.7 Organizational needs _____________________________________________________________ 16

4.7.1 Executive support _____________________________________________________________ 16

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures ____________________________________________ 16

4.7.3 Policy _______________________________________________________________________ 17

4.7.4 Staffing ______________________________________________________________________ 17

4.7.5 Budget requirements___________________________________________________________ 18

4.7.6 Outreach (required to be addressed within the Road Map) ____________________________ 19

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity _________________________________ 21

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ____________________________________________________________ 22

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement _______________________________________________ 22

5.2 Implementation of objectives ______________________________________________________ 23
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The goal is to improve North Dakota's capability to trace animals that are either 

infected with or potentially exposed to federal program diseases or emerging diseases 

and to help identify animals in major natural disaster related situations (floods, 

blizzards, fires, etc.). The most efficient means to accomplish this goal is to identify 

those systems that are currently in place that can be improved upon or changed, with 

minimal financial impact to livestock producers and stakeholders. The need for change 

must be understood, shared and supported by all stakeholders in order to be successful 

in our long-term traceability efforts. Relatively successful, federal eradication 

programs have had the unintended consequence of decreasing the amount of testing 

and tagging requirements for animals that move interstate and intrastate. When states 

are declared 'Free' of some of the formerly longstanding endemic diseases such as 

tuberculosis or brucellosis, trading partner states and producers no longer see the need 

to monitor the health of those animals as closely. They rely much more on slaughter 

surveillance to help identify disease occurrences versus live animal testing. The benefit 

to the industry is that live animals can be handled less and moved more easily at much 

less expense to the buyers and the sellers.

As the livestock industries have become more disease free, they also improved the 

ability to move their commodities more easily into international and global markets. 

Trade agreements the US enters, allows lives animals and associated commodities to 

be imported into the United States. People, animals, and products will continue to 

move in and out of the US at increasing rates, which makes the introduction of foreign 

animal diseases (intentionally or unintentionally) more plausible.

Our current, in office, disease tracing capabilities are focused around the interstate and 

international certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs). The incoming ICVIs sent 

by other state animal health officials are sorted and information from each CVI is 

entered or digitally received into an electronic database (USAHERDS). Currently, the 

CVIs are digitally filed and retained for the required retention guidelines. Outgoing 

CVIs are also filed according to the state of destination and the date sent. Disease 

testing for sale or interstate or international movement purposes also serves as a 

method of identifying the location of animals during future disease investigations. The 

goal is to switch from a paper or excel database system to a searchable electronic 

database system that incorporates CVIs, disease testing, and improve emergency 

response with a commercial off-the-shelf software. The primary benefit of an 

electronic system will be quicker traceability, to help with disease 'prevention' and 

'eradication' efforts. This goal has been partially achieved with USAHERDS but

continue to utilize multiple databases to retrieve some traceability data from outside 

federal databases.

Our goal is to increase the amount of data we receive which can be entered into a 

single searchable database. Since technologic capabilities will increase in the field, we 
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to invest in the capabilities of USAHERDS to receive information efficiently and 

accurately with less manual manipulation and monitoring required. We plan to 

internalize data inputting to our own full or part time staff that have developed 

expertise over time from issuing permit numbers and reviewing health certificates for 

accredited veterinarians.

The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health has consistently been a strong 

advocate of disease prevention. They put into policy and rule actions needed to 

improve the traceability of animals for the sake of maintaining a healthy herd in the 

state. The Board's jurisdiction stops at the borders, but they have led by example when 

identification was needed for the sake of preventing disease risks associated with 

interstate and international movements. They understand the need to be able to quickly 

trace animals.

Our state system continues to be available for use by the tribes in ND. The major 

livestock markets are within the states so it would make sense for the tribes to work 

with the states and treat animal movements on and off the reservations just as they 

would interstate movements. We will offer entering MOUs as a possible solution to 

help avoid the need or the expense, for tribes to develop another separate data base.

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

Who are the primary constituents?

Animal Health Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture 

(NDDA) and the ND Board of Animal Health (BOAH).

Who are the external constituents?

The BOAH is comprised of a representative from the purebred beef 

industry, the commercial cattle industry, the dairy industry, the sheep 

industry, the swine industry, the bison industry, the nontraditional livestock 

industry and two private veterinary practitioners. They are charged with 

representing their constituents, producers, and associated industry groups.

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

It means different geographic locations and different authorities. It would 

be better to also look at markets used and what jurisdictions they are under.

How are traceability data used internally, externally?

Traceability data such as ICVIs and test information are used when it has 

been determined that there has been a disease outbreak which could 

drastically impact the health of animals and/or people, and it is necessary to 

identify and address risk of animals that are either infected or potentially 

exposed to the disease. During a natural disaster, the ability to identify 

animals has also been proven to be critical.
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What values guide the ADT system?

The main value that underlies our states animal disease traceability system 

is the producers' trust that data is held in confidence and is to only be used 

for animal health purposes. Other values would include cost effective, 

efficient and user friendly for veterinarians, producers, and our Animal 

Health Division staff.

What is the make-up of the ADT advisory group? How and how often 

are they engaged?

The advisory group includes representatives from all of the various 

livestock industry groups in our state, representation from the Board of 

Animal Health, the Chief Brand Inspector, and the veterinarians from the 

state veterinarian's office. They meet 1 to 2 times a year or as needed. The 

BOAH meets quarterly and is kept informed of ongoing investigations.

2.2 Where are we now?

ICVIs are manually reviewed and entered into an excel spreadsheet or 

received electronically from approved digital CVI vendors.

Paper copies of all incoming and outgoing CVIs are retained for 10 years in 

a digitally stored format. CVIs prior to implementation of USAHERDS will 

be stored in boxes for years.

Electronic CVIs are reviewed and stored in USAHERDS within the ND.gov 

system and backed up in the Cloud.

Search capabilities are limited to the capabilities of USAHERDS.

Accredited veterinarians send in written ICVIs, and the state forwards a 

copy to the correct states or federal offices. Most states are now sharing 

these copies digitally.

During the week, during business hours, someone is always available to 

answer questions. After hours and on weekends 24/7 there are 3 

veterinarians who respond to questions and provide permit numbers for 

CVIs to North Dakota.

How is animal disease traceability currently defined?

Currently it is defined as the ability to identify an animal in a manner that 

leaves no room for doubt or legal challenge that the animal(s) in question 

is the animal being looked for. Is it viewed as a cross-cutting 

component to animal health information systems? Yes, in ND animal 

disease traceability involves all information available to identify and 

verify animals. Is it viewed as a stand-alone initiative? No, we work 
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with the brand inspection program also in ND to help identify animals and 

monitor movements.

What measures of traceability capability are currently being used? 

We have been keeping track of the amount of time it takes for us to

search for and find animals that other states may be looking for or that our 

brand inspectors need more information on during their investigations as 

well. What are the specific values and associated interpretation? The 

value is the amount of time and the success in finding the animal and from 

those parameters we can surmise how successful we may be in an 

emergency where tracking animals in a short amount of time is going to be 

critical to the success of preventing a disease outbreak or quickly controlling 

an outbreak already in progress.

How is coordination being currently achieved within the unit?

The Animal Health Division of the DOA is under the direction of the State 

Veterinarian who is the appointed executive of the BOAH. The State 

Veterinarians office carries out the rules and orders of the Board.

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

territory-wide?

The AD's office in South Dakota, has served as the conduit for coordinating 

animal health efforts between the state, the tribes and the federal 

governments.

How does the present unit coordinate activities with other existing 

agencies/units?

We utilize the use of e-mail, scanning and faxing capabilities and the 

EMRS2 system to share information with our AD's office in SD.

What standards for traceability are currently being used?

We strive for 100% traceability of breeding animals that enter ND and for 

feeder animals that come from high-risk areas or states, in the shortest 

amount of time possible. Are they appropriate? From an epidemiological 

standpoint, absolutely, but from a practical and politically popular 

standpoint, not currently. Major disease outbreaks usually decrease the lack 

of support.

What is the state of technology infrastructure?

We are currently limited to the use of an Excel spreadsheet for capturing 

the ICVI data. The federal office and our office have also successfully 

utilized the Mobile Information Management system (MIMs) when TB 

testing herds involved in trace investigations. Capability in terms of 

size? Excel databases are somewhat size limited and electronic CVIs 

must be manually entered. Compatibility within and outside the 

agency/unit/department/etc. for sharing data when needed?
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Fortunately, private veterinarians also are using Excel spreadsheets to 

capture data while they are working animals in the field. Practitioners are 

not yet familiar with, nor proficient in the use of the MIMs system yet.

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

hours per week, if authorized personnel are present?

24/7- ITO support can be a limiting factor.

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

Funding is critical if we are to progress to a database that supports 

traceability for an animal by capturing animal IDs and movement

information. How does Federal funding fit into the plan? Federal 

requirements will dictate what the funding needs will be in most states. 

States that are not financially able to meet the federal requirements will 

become the weak links in traceability throughout the nation if they are not 

provided federal assistance to meet federal requirements. Latitude will be 

needed in future cooperative agreements since some states will need 

equipment some will need staff, and some will need both. Traceability needs 

to be a national and unified effort with their state counterparts and 'most' 

importantly with the support of the livestock industry, in order to be 

successful.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

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

human resources, personnel capabilities, etc.? 

The Board of Animal Health is made up of producers and veterinarians and 

allows for good communication which fosters understanding and support 

for requirements which improve traceability of animals entering North 

Dakota.

What are the weaknesses in terms of "lack of' technology, human 

resources, personnel capabilities, etc.?

The Animal Health Division must use the required state's procurement 

process and there are multiple people that must approve of purchases and 

actions, so the process is robust, but inherently slow.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Does this plan enable or avoid consequences of potential threats?

Confidentiality of data collected is critical to avoid potential misuse of data 

and maintain the trust of those we regulate. Foreign and domestic actors 

continue to attempt to access state and local databases. Our database is 
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hidden inside the ND.gov system with multiple levels of security to pass. 

We do not allow the exporting of data directly out of our system and ND 

State Law 36-01-36 allows the release and sharing of defined information 

only under specific circumstances as written in statute.

Does this plan provide for better use of available resources than current 

approaches? 

Yes, continued flexibility and growth of our internal database allows for a 

single point access location for ADT.

Does this plan enhance networking opportunities?

Yes, other states are currently using off-the-shelf software databases and 

encouraging the use of electronic CVIs. The focus of the software is to 

enable knowledgeable official to evaluate date from multiple sources, 

synthesize it, and apply it to animal disease surveillance.

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

The threat is that as trade increases and our risk for disease introduction 

increases, we do not have an adequate disease traceability system in place. 

We learned that after the BSE finding in Canada, we've documented how 

slow our average TB investigation takes and FMD exercises have pointed 

out our weaknesses repeatedly.

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

The ND statute directs the animal health official to protect the health of 

livestock in the state. If traceability is done for animal health purposes that 

is where the task will remain.

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?

Yes, especially when a trace requires us to search through old paper health 

certificates and multiple fields on the health certificates must be searched 

that the certificates are not filed by.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

Human resources:

3 veterinarians, 3 support staff and 2 field investigators, with additional 

management support from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Space availability: 
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Limited in the state office for additional equipment and limited space at 

most of the auction markets.

Connectivity resources, both in office and in the field: 

Limited since no budget for additional connectivity between the state office 

and markets and veterinary clinics. Some rural markets and premises do not 

have adequate internet access to move data electronically. This is an area of 

increased focus as we move forward.

Access to USDA animal disease traceability and animal health 

information resources: 

This is of concern to the state, due to the need for usernames and password 

that expire and due to the lack of 24/7 service by federal support staff that 

routinely support the federal databases locally and nationally.

 

Organization of all existing paper record systems used to access 

animal disease traceability or animal health information: 

Currently all CVIs prior to implementation of USAHERDSA are stored 

chronologically in a vault. CVIs received after January 2, 2020, are stored 

in the cloud with access through USAHERDS. Computerized data 

management capability, including present storage size, speed, security, 

etc.

Automated data capture capability: 

USAHERDS has allowed for the reduction in manual entry of data, and 

we continue to enhance the capabilities of the asset to decrease manual 

data entry and manipulation. 

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

Our vision is directed by responsibilities dictated to us through NDCC 

Chapter 36 (https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t36c01.pdf), while guided by 

the controls outlined in state law:

Chapter 36-01-36. Premises identification, animal identification, and 

animal tracking - Open records - Exception. 1. The board shall maintain the 

confidentiality of information created, collected, or maintained by the state 

veterinarian for purposes of premises identification, animal identification, 

or animal tracking, including the name and address of the owner or lessee 

of the property where an animal found, is located. 2. The information 

described in subsection 1 is not subject to section 44-04-18 and may not be 

disclosed unless: 

a. Every individual who is the subject of the information provides 

written consent to the release of information;
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b. The disclosure is authorized pursuant to federal law; 

c. The disclosure is necessary to provide a state or federal agency with 

information to assist in animal disease control or tracing an animal 

disease;

d. The disclosure is to the attorney general or to law enforcement to 

assist in a criminal investigation;

e. A court of competent jurisdiction orders the disclosure; or 

f. The disclosure is to provide the North Dakota stockmen's 

association with information pursuant to section 4.1-72-05. 3. A 

person violating this section is subject to the remedies set forth in 

section 44-04-21.2. For purposes of applying section 44-04-21.2, 

"public entity" includes any person that has contracted with the state 

for the provision of services related to a premises identification, 

animal identification, or animal tracking database program.

3.2 Mission Statement

https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t36c01.pdf 

The North Dakota Board of Animal Health is statutorily charged (NDCC 

36-01-08) to protect the health of the domestic animals and nontraditional 

Livestock of this state and shall determine and employ the most efficient 

and practical means for the prevention, suppression, control, and 

eradication of dangerous, contagious, and infectious diseases among the 

domestic animals and nontraditional livestock of this state.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture fosters the long-term wellbeing of North Dakota by promoting a healthy economic, environmental, 

and social climate for agriculture and the rural community through 

leadership, advocacy, education, regulation, and other services. To carry out 

its mandate, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture is committed to 

the following responsibilities:

• Serving as an advocate for family farmers and ranchers and for the rural 

community. 

• Providing services that ensure safe, high-quality and marketable 

agricultural products. 

• Developing and expanding markets for agricultural commodities and 

value-added products. 

• Reducing the risk of financial loss to agricultural producers and to 

buyers and sellers of agricultural commodities. 

• Safeguarding livestock and other domestic animals from communicable 

diseases.

• Ensuring compliance with laws administered by the Department of 

Agriculture through understandable regulations, information, 

education, and even-handed enforcement.

 
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• Ensuring human safety and a healthy environment through proper use 

of pesticides.

• Verifying the contents of pesticides, fertilizers, soil conditioners, animal 

feeds and veterinary medicines.

• Reducing agricultural losses from noxious weeds, predatory animals, 

insects, and diseases.

• Gathering and disseminating information concerning agriculture to the 

general public.

• Providing fair and timely dispute resolution services to agricultural 

producers, creditors, and others.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

The following categories must be described in the Road Map:

2.1 Strategic goal(s)

Inherent in applying and accepting Federal funding for advancing ADT is 

accepting the overarching strategic goals of ADT:

1. Enhance electronic sharing of data among Federal and State animal 

health officials, veterinarians, and industry; including sharing basic 

ADT data with the Federal Animal Health Events Repository 

(AHER).

North Dakota is working towards sharing data as allowed under state 

and Federal laws. North Dakota state law requires us to protect specific 

producer information. With the limitations placed on us by state law. 

AHER will need to be implemented under a different plan than is being 

currently provided to us by USDA. Our plan will be to develop an 

alternative sharing mechanism that allows BOAH and DOA oversight 

of how and what information is released and by what mechanism to 

fulfill our obligations in protecting the information of our constituents. 

USAHERDS is a complete database that contains not only ADT 

information, but also additional information that is not pertinent to the 

ADT discussion and needs to be protected. Additionally. USAHERDS 

is imbedded in the ND.gov system which will require us to develop a 

conduit for sharing that is controlled on the state side. Increasing 

international data threats and concerns with data security require 

additional control points for managing the flow of information. We have 

guidance under state law and from the Attorney General of North 

Dakota when and how this information can be released.

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

identification to make the transmission of data more efficient.

North Dakota is working with veterinarians to distribute and encourage 

the use of RFID tags by providing tags, systems, and education to 

veterinarians.
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3. Enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter 

through a system that allows tracking data points to be connected.

USAHERDS allows us to use a single database for tracking these 

movements. We routinely work with other states in sharing information 

to achieve our goals of data sharing. We share tracking points as 

allowed by state and federal law.

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. Entities must develop or implement a State-wide, Tribalwide, or Territory-wide infrastructure for advancing ADT 

compatible with State, Tribe, Territory and USDA standards.

ND accepts most forms of approved commercially approved products 

for private veterinarians. As additional technologies become available, 

we actively incorporate them into USAHERDS and our system.

North Dakota recently implemented VetCVI, a product available 

through USAHERDS which allows all Tribal, state, and private entities 

to provide electronic CVIs free of charge. We have created an ID 

Subcommittee of the BOAH that is working with industry to help solve 

some of our problems and inconsistencies with data collection and 

failure of animals to meet import requirements.

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

Target, develop, and implement outreach messaging regarding data 

quality and processing for animal health information forms such as 

ICVIs. 

Our outreach has been and will continue to be to the Animal ID working 

group, industry groups, field investigators, and the Board of Animal Health 

members.

Monitor ICVI data quality.

This is done now but will continue to need monitoring for quality and 

accuracy.

Input data into appropriate systems.

Our goal has been to switch from a paper or excel database system to a 

searchable electronic database system. While we have achieved portions of

this goal, we continue to improve the database to be more inclusive, 
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accurate and responsive to the daily needs of the office and protection of 

our state resources.

Improve retrieval of available traceability information.

Our ability to retrieve data through the new database continues to grow 

exponentially. We will continue to improve and invest in the capabilities 

of this database to make it more flexible and adaptable to outside data 

sources.

Establish compatible standards for sharing data with 

States/Tribes/Territories and USDA when needed.

The national Assembly of State Animal Health Officials are leading the 

effort in this area. Our digital system allows for routine data sharing 

growth and adaptation to meet standards as they change.

Integrate surveillance and traceability data.

We will keep pursing the dumping of all ICVIs and test results into the 

state's ATD.

Establish advisory committee.

ND brought together all of the industry and regulatory stake holders and 

formed an Animal Identification Working Group several years ago. We 

have benefited greatly from their input and hopefully they have a good 

understand of why we need to continue to improve our traceability. We have 

added a ID Subcommittee to the BOAH that is working towards consistency 

and fairness in ADT.

Establish authority.

The state veterinarian, who is to carry out the orders and policies of the 

Board of Animal Health, works with the Brand inspectors to assure that 

animals are not imported without meeting our import requirements. 

Animals that move out of state without an ICVI are reported to the 

destination state's animal health official.

Develop policy.

The ND State Board of Animal Health helps to develop policies that the 

state veterinarian and associated staff are to carry out. The Animal 

Identification Working Group has also provided guidance on what policies 

are feasible and that the industries will support.

Enhance IT infrastructure.

Enhancement of the IT infrastructure at the state level will require funds and 

staff time. The cooperative agreements need to financially help support 

those needs as we need to keep updating our IT systems to be more 

compatible with other state and federal systems. NDIT and the Department 
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of Agriculture have been great assets in implementing the digital databases 

through the funds available through the cooperative agreement.

Establish and/or update tag distribution record system.

We currently receive AIN number information. The Brucellosis tags are 

currently recorded into the federal system by our office staff. The USDA 

brite tags are recorded in our office but we rely on the veterinarians that 

request them to be able to provide us information on the cattle that they're 

placed in.

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

1. TPM: 1084:22 - In what State was an imported animal officially 

identified? ND

2. TPM: 1085:22 - From what State was the imported animal shipped? 

ID

3. TPM: 1099:22 - In what State was an imported animal officially 

identified?

MT

4. TPM: 1100:22 - From what State was an imported animal shipped? 

WY

5. TPM: 1107:22 - Where in your State was the animal officially 

identified? Glen Ullin, ND

6. TPM: 1108:22 - From what location in your State was an exported 

animal shipped? Rugby, ND

4.4 Data requirements

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.

North Dakota requires official identification on all sexually intact animals 

that enter ND. OCV tags, USDA NEUS tags, and RFID tags are all 

recognized as official identification.

What tag distribution record keeping systems are being used? 

RFID tags are being entered through AIN Manager, Brucellosis tags and 

NUES tags are being entered into USAHERDS.

What data requirements exist for commuter herd agreements? 

ND does not have commuter herd agreements but does allow for grazing 

permits. The grazing permits require official ID be documented on all 

returning animals.
15

What forms are approved for interstate movement in addition to 

ICVIs?

ICVIs are the only forms currently recognized unless animals are moving 

on a VS 127 for a direct to slaughter movement. Owner shipper statement 

is allowed for movement to an auction market.

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

Territories, and USDA? 

On a case-by-case basis under the requirements and guidelines provided 

by the laws of the US and ND. When requested for animal health purposed 

by another animal health official or disaster is declared by the Secretary of

Agriculture. Data will be shared when the requirements of 36- 01-36 are 

met under statute. Our USAHERDS database is secured within the 

ND.gov system. NDIT requires that we allow only secured information 

into the database and no unapproved data moves out. We will provide 

summary data to those that require the data under the strict guidance of 

State and Federal law.

How will group/lot official numbers be handled within the system?

It is feasible that a group lot number for pigs, or for a group of cattle, that 

are not to be commingled, could be entered into new database.

4.5 Information technology plan

Our IT is under the supervision of NDIT that runs the ND.gov platform for 

the State of North Dakota. The security of the platform and protection of 

the information in the database is our number one priority. USAHERDS on 

the ND.gov platform is owned by the State of ND and access to that system 

is protected at the highest level. The Azure system is backed up in triplicate 

and is unable to be accessed by outside entities including AHER. We will 

develop a plan that will allow for a work around that protects the server and 

information but can meet the needs of the ADT agreement.

4.6 Resource requirements

Is specific expertise needed that is not currently available? 

We will need partners in USDA that will help us protect our industry from 

the forces that are aligned against animal agriculture. The legislature and 

industry in North Dakota have made it clear producer information in our 

system is confidential.

Will consultants be needed? 

We currently have access to consultants on our NDIT and through 

USAHERDS, but they come at a cost that increase as the database grows.
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Is a continuity of operation plan (COOP) in place and how frequently 

is it tested? 

NDIT and USAHERDS are constantly evaluating the safety and 

performance. A recovery test is currently being scheduled from our 

backups.

Are automated data capture resources needed?

Yes. Our livestock auction markets and veterinarians are in the greatest 

need of automated capture resources. We are currently requesting

additional funds from the legislature for automated data capture grants.

4.7 Organizational needs

4.7.1 Executive support

Is additional support from executive management needed? 

No.

How is accountability provided? 

Election of the Agriculture Commissioner and appointment of the 

State Veterinarian by the Commissioner. BOAH is appointed by 

the Governor at the recommendation of specific industries. 

Multiple, experienced employees work together to complete tasks.

How are officials briefed on progress and baseline measures of 

performance?

Weekly updates are provided to the Commissioner and the BOAH 

meets quarterly.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

What is the make-up of the applicant's ADT advisory group? 

How frequently are they engaged? 

Our advisory group meets as needed and a ID Subcommittee has 

been formed to discuss ID requirements outside those mandated 

by the Federal government.

How are emergency preparedness resources engaged or 

responded to when necessary? 

Within the DOA we have a Emergency manager and we are 

integrated into the ND DES and coordinate with DOH. We have 

a 20-veterinarian emergency Reserve Corp.

How is compatibility with other States, Tribes, Territories, 

and USDA monitored? 
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Actual investigations, trace exercises, discussions, surveys, emails, and conference calls. We coordinate additionally by 

Teams and Zoom with multiple federal and state agencies.

How are responsibilities assigned for implementing the plan?

Since our animal health staff is relatively small, we firmly 

believe in cross training so duties can be assigned as needed. 

Primary duties are often overseen by one staff member, but 

others must be able to assume those duties in their absence.

How are disputes arbitrated? 

If animal identification is being challenged, we have resorted to 

DNA testing of tissue to confirm that the ID device does indeed 

belong to the animal in question.

How is feedback obtained relative to perception of successful 

implementation above and below the administrative 

authority? 

It is asked for from some and offered by others. Constructive 

criticism is welcomed.

How is transition achieved when administrators are 

replaced?

More than one support staff member can carry out each duty. 

Since the support staff is responsible for technical aspects of the 

databases, when administration changes it should have little to no 

impact on the integrity of the day-to-day activities within our 

division.

4.7.3 Policy

How does the applicants' policies align with the ADT general 

standards document and achievement of traceability goals? 

Our ADT policies are based on the Federal ADT program 

directions outlined by USDA for animals over 18- months. We 

require those same requirements for all intact animals under 18-

months of age.

Is there a need to address or change a state policy to align with 

9CFR part 86 or the ADT General Standards document?

No.

4.7.4 Staffing

How is full-time, paid support staff justified? 
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They have multiple duties, and we need more than one person 

capable of proficiently carrying out each duty.

What qualifications are needed? 

There are specific PIQs and job descriptions for each of our staff.

What personnel are needed to implement the plan? 

Secretarial, administrative and IT staff are all necessary within 

our state animal health official's office. In the field we need 

accredited large animal veterinarians and producers that are 

willing to work with us. The AD's office staffs, and the AD play 

a vital support and training role in carrying out our traceability 

plan.

Can other human resources be leveraged to assist in 

implementing the plan? 

We have tried to use outside resources, but without experience 

reading ICVIs it did not prove to be the way to protect the 

integrity of the data that was being input.

Are professional credentials and certification an issue?

Experience is the most important credential needed when 

evaluating ICVIs and recording the appropriate information.

Are job descriptions for the roles needed provided? 

Yes

Is ADT information a distinct function within the unit or an 

add-on "coordinated by committee" versus an individually 

coordinated, stand-alone sub-unit?

Animal Disease traceability is at the core of daily duties as health 

certificates are reviewed and some of the data is entered into a 

spreadsheet and stored.

4.7.5 Budget requirements

How are you funded for ADT? State, Tribe, Territory versus 

Federal? 

We are funded with State and Federal funds.

What are the funding requirements projected by year for 

first, second and third year for implementing this plan? 

We have purchased USAHERDS. Maintenance fees are $27,000 

per year. A monthly cost of about $400 a month for a test server 

is required when specific upgrades are made to the network. We 

anticipate approximately $1,800 this coming year based on past 
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years numbers. We will continue to purchase upgrades to 

function as practical and required.

How is cost sharing achieved? 

We do not have any funding specific to animal disease 

traceability other than what is appropriated to us through the 

federal government. All expenses covered in excess of Federal 

funds is covered by general funds appropriated to the DOA and 

BOAH.

How can the applicant insulate against budget cuts and 

shortfalls? 

Budget cuts will lead to reduction in labor resources that will 

come from the department. We have no surplus of funds.

Can other funding sources be leveraged to support this plan?

There are no additional funding sources available.

4.7.6 Outreach 

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

What is the plan for informing accredited 

veterinarians of the new guidelines for official ID 

and the specific three-year plan for 

implementation?

We attend and present at the annual NDVMA 

meeting. We provide outreach and education 

through timely emails and mailings.

What continuing education is being planned for 

improving data quality relative to animal health 

information systems being used? 

We coordinate with USAHERDS, GVL and other 

providers to offer on-line training and education. 

We are going to sponsor a booth at the NDVMA to 

share our advances, VetCVI and EECVI.

Submitting official forms in a timely manner?

We directly contact via phone veterinarians that are 

not in compliance and mail copies of rejected or 

problem emails to the veterinarians.

What is the plan for enhancing the use of 

eICVIs, if any? 

We coordinate with USAHERDS, GVL and other 

providers to offer on-line training and education. 

We are going to sponsor a booth at the NDVMA to 

share our advances, VetCVI and EECVI.
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What role, if any, does the accredited 

veterinarian have in providing low-cost, official 

identification tags/devices to producers?

The accredited veterinarians order NEUS and RFID 

tags now and record the identification on CVIs. If 

NEUS tags are going to be used more for 

identification purposes, the veterinarians may play a 

critical role in helping to record who the tags were 

issued to.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

What continuing education efforts are being 

planned for addressing the concerns of the 

slaughter plants in the jurisdiction? 

Our office does not regulate the slaughter plants in 

ND. It is regulated by another division in the DOA.

What is the plan for accessing or requesting 

traceability information from slaughter plants?

Routine traceability information has not been 

provided to our office from slaughter plants. We 

must request it when we have specific concerns.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

How is industry being informed of the 

implementation plan? 

The plan will be conveyed by the state 

veterinarian's office through information provided 

to the Board of Animal Health, through producer 

group meetings, through PSAs and media outlets, 

through the accredited veterinarians and the AVIC's 

VMOs and Animal Identification Coordinator and

through our Field Investigator. We coordinate with 

the Stockmen's Association on routine 

investigations and requests for information. We 

engage with industry groups through emails and 

mailings.

How is the advisory committee being leveraged 

for this continuing education purpose? 

We have created a BOAH ID Subcommittee to 

assist in creating greater input to the Board from 

industry and the advisory committee.
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What other resources are available for industry 

outreach?

Email and on-line meetings have created a new 

avenue for sharing.

What constitutes industry? What species are 

involved? 

Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, bison and farmed 

cervids are the main species that make up the 

industries we oversee animal health programs for.

How are under-represented and under- served 

communities being included in the outreach 

plan?

Our messages are carried by numerous media 

outlets.Private practitioners and extension agents 

also have a vital role in providing information and 

listening to feedback from underserved areas.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

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

monitored that move interstate? 

Our current importation permit system will allow us to quickly provide 

estimated summary information on the number of shipments we receive and 

the number of animals in those shipments. Feeder steers from Free states 

are not required to have a permit number on their health certificate, but we 

receive the HCs within 30 days and then can manually add up and account 

for those shipments as well.

How will the data be verified or validated? 

Our field inspector is tasked with spot checking animals that enter North 

Dakota to assure the Board that imported animals meet their import 

requirements. We also share information back and for with the brand 

inspectors since it may be that someone has sought a brand release before 

moving animals, but they failed to acquire a CVI for the movement. What 

we appreciate most is when other producers report that someone seems to 

be moving cattle without meeting import requirements. That tells us that 

producers support sound regulations that protect the health of everyone's 

livestock in ND.

The following data should be tracked and available upon request:
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o Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents

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

basis for move-out animals.

o Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents 

received for move-in animals.

o 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.

o 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 ... (such as 

steers in ND, since all sexually intact cattle coming into ND 

must be individually officially identified.)

o Volume of distribution for each official numbering 

system/device issued by the State/Tribe/Territory and/or AD 

office, including backtags by market or processing 

(slaughter) facility.

Since we have not captured all the above information in the past, nor have 

we been required to ever provide exact numerical information, we cannot 

promise that all the information asked for in the above list can be provided. 

That is part of the overarching goal of our 3-year traceability plan. Because 

of our importation permit requirement, we know that our state can provide 

most of the above information. Since tribes are not being directed to work 

only with a state veterinarian, we cannot be responsible for tags that they 

may receive from other sources. We do not have the authority to expect that 

they should report use of official tags to the state of ND. We will work 

together with the federal office to try and help capture information 

pertaining to the tribes' use of official identification tags. There is still a 

delay in the mailing of some ICVIs to the state office that also causes our 

records to be inaccurate until those CVIs are received.

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

 Moving forward we are making great strides in use and 

implementation of RFID in cattle. We need to continue to provide 

and promote those resources until they become a necessary 

component within industry.

 We are expanding our internal uses within USAHERDS and 

consolidating the platform to a single use station for all animal 

health programs. This allows us to improve efficiency and allow 

for more consistent and dependable retrieval.
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 We are offering additional services to veterinarians like VetCVI, 

EECVI, and various online trainings to expand their knowledge 

and comfort with digital platforms.

 AHER implementation is a priority of this office through a 

cooperative arrangement with USDA to meet the needs of industry, 

state, and federal government.

Is a phased-in approach appropriate over the three-year 

period?

Now that mandatory ID has been tabled for the short-term, 

industry will drive the growth. We need to focus on education and 

providing the products to meet their needs. We are in a great 

position to leverage our expertise in this area.

Are various components dependent upon measurable successes 

rather than defined time periods?

We are seeing measurable successes daily, but they are hard to 

measure and are often unpredictable since they are being driven by 

market and demand.

5.2 Implementation of objectives

Our objectives and goals have not changed. Our goal is 100% traceability. 

We are making great progress with the advancement of technology in our 

office. We will leverage that technology advancement to better serve 

industry and improve traceability. Please see the attached cooperative 

agreement application for 2022 and associated objectives. As veterinarians 

that haven't forget epidemiologic principles of prevention of disease 

movement, our goal is 100% traceability. Our objectives and more 

importantly our 'actions' to achieve that goal, may change depending upon 

federal regulations or guidance and available federal and/or state funding 

for resources needed to accomplish full traceability. In addition, we may 

be limited by the industries and legislature that provide us with our 

mandate and guidance for implementation and enforcement.