2022 

ADVANCING ADT

ROAD MAP FOR

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ANNETTE JONES DVM, STATE VETERINARIAN

1220 N STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814

916-900-5000

Submitted to:

LARRY RAWSON, DVM, AREA VETERINARIAN IN CHARGE

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR CALIFORNIA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

10365 OLD PLACERVILLE RD. SUITE 210

SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

(916)858-3950

Date: August 5, 2022
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Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION ............................................................................. 3

2.1 Who are we? ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Where are we now? .................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses.......................................................................................................... 6

2.4 Opportunities and Threats........................................................................................................... 7

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment.................................................. 8

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ........................ 9

3.1 Vision statement ......................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Mission statement....................................................................................................................... 9

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 10

4.1 Strategic goal(s) ....................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives) .......................................................................................... 10

4.3 Animal Disease Traceability performance measures................................................................ 11

4.4 Data requirements..................................................................................................................... 11

4.5 Information technology plan..................................................................................................... 12

4.6 Resource requirements.............................................................................................................. 12

4.7 Organizational needs ................................................................................................................ 12

4.7.1 Executive support ..................................................................................................................... 13

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures.................................................................................... 13

4.7.3 Policy........................................................................................................................................ 14

4.7.4 Staffing ..................................................................................................................................... 14

4.7.5 Budget requirements................................................................................................................. 14

4.7.6 Outreach.................................................................................................................................... 15

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians........................................................................................................... 15

4.7.6.2 Slaughter Plants........................................................................................................................ 15

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole ................................................................................................................... 16

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity ........................................................... 16

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY............................................................................................ 17

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement ..................................................................................... 17

5.2 Implementation of objectives ................................................................................................... 17
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) fully supports the United States

Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Veterinary Services (VS) in its efforts to enhance animal disease

traceability as it pertains to animal health management. We understand and believe traceability is vital 

to the continuity of business in the face of an outbreak and our ability to contain and mitigate animal 

diseases. We also support the development of national standards for premises and animal identification 

while allowing for regional differences.We are committed to work in partnership with VS Area office 

personnel to implement this roadmap with the understanding that a major focus will be the cattle sector.

More specifically, we will work together to identify the greatest gaps in traceability and implement

solutions for this sector of the livestock industry. 

We are committed to including all segments of the livestock industry affected by changes in traceability: 

accredited veterinarians, livestock producers, livestock markets, exhibitors, and other allied industries. 

CDFA recognizes that accredited veterinarians and livestock market operators are key components to a 

successful program. Therefore, we will continue to work with both sectors to address any issues 

potentially affecting their normal activities. CDFA and USDA staff will continue to partner to provide 

traceability education to accredited veterinarians during the accreditation process and to veterinary 

students at both California veterinary schools. We will emphasize the use of electronic data collection 

tools and the use of electronic devices for official identification (ID).

As outlined in this roadmap, we will work with veterinary practices in California to continue electronic 

collection of regulatory testing, vaccination information, and the use of electronic interstate Certificates 

of Veterinary Inspection (eICVI). Additionally, we are working with several practitioners to use an 

“840” electronic orange ear tag or record existing “840” ear tags to be used as the official ID for 

brucellosis vaccination. 

This plan addresses ongoing concerns for our ability to find animals potentially exposed to diseases with 

significant industry implications. We have significantly evolved our traceability but need to continue to 

move toward more electronic records so that we are faster and more efficient in our searches. Electronic 

CVIs, vaccination records and other data points all improve traceability and reduce the possibility for 

human error. Increasing the number of animals that have official identification, particularly Radio 

Frequency Identification (RFID), makes them easier to find and more likely to be recorded throughout 

their life. Therefore, USDA ADT rules are moving toward electronic ID and CDFA fully supports that 

initiative. To maintain continuity of business, CDFA needs to identify at risk animals as quickly as 

possible and good identification and searchable records make that easier. Our directive is to protect the 

industry, but that must be done by not only controlling diseases but also preserving normal business as 

much as possible. None of these are new concepts, but as we move toward a more digital platform, we 

enhance the work that has been done to promote universal animal ID even before the ADT program 

existed. It also means CDFA can render aid to other states, tribes, and territories more rapidly. 

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

“Although various State/Tribe/Territory governmental agencies are tasked with ADT

efforts, identifying the specific agencies/units involved in implementing this road map is 
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essential to planning success. This also includes identifying constituents that will be 

impacted by and/or require collaboration with, to advance the proposed plan.”

The Office of the California State Veterinarian was established in 1899 by legislative mandate “to 

protect the health of all domestic animals of the State from all contagious and infectious diseases, so far 

as practical”. This office was incorporated into CDFA in 1919. Since its inception, CDFA has worked 

in partnership with USDA, animal agriculture industries (beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, equine, 

swine, poultry, camelids), livestock markets, accredited veterinarians, animal scientists, and other allied 

industries (industry associations, tag manufacturers, etc.), to detect, control and eradicate animal 

diseases and other animal health related incidents. These diseases include bovine tuberculosis, foot and 

mouth disease, glanders, sheep scabies, cattle tick fever, hog cholera, anthrax, pseudorabies, brucellosis, 

exotic Newcastle disease, vesicular exanthema, West Nile virus, and many others.

In addition to disease surveillance and response, CDFA staff monitor the movements of livestock 

entering California from other states and countries including Mexico and Canada. This is accomplished 

via livestock movement permitting, collection of CVI information, brand inspections, and agriculture 

inspections at ports of entry (Border Protection Stations). In partnership with USDA, CDFA monitors 

movements through livestock markets and most slaughter plants.

The Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program is managed and implemented by the ADT Unit within 

the Animal Health Branch, which directly reports to the California State Veterinarian. The ADT Unit is 

composed of four (4) staff: a supervising veterinarian, a veterinarian who serves as program lead, one

(1) environmental scientist, and one (1) livestock inspector. All ADT Unit staff are located at the 

Sacramento Headquarters office. Throughout the state, field veterinarians, environmental scientists, and 

livestock inspectors implement the ADT program. The Unit consults with and draws upon additional 

species experts for bovine, equine, poultry, swine, and small ruminant specific issues. The ADT Unit 

also works with other divisions and branches within CDFA including the Border Protection Stations 

and Brand Inspections to collect movement data.

This Unit and associated staff work closely with various external constituents to protect California’s 

animal agriculture. In 2020, California’s livestock and livestock products totaled $49.1 billion. The 

State leads the nation in the production of many agriculture commodities including dairy products. In 

2021 the State was the recipient of almost 52,000 shipments of livestock comprised of over 15 million 

head and nearly 1,500 shipments of poultry and hatching eggs, representing 14 million head. 

Livestock shipments originate from every state in the nation and two (2) foreign countries.

Internally, traceability data is used to find potentially exposed animals when a regulated disease is 

detected. Data may also be used to identify animals moved illegally or in other legal contexts. 

Externally CDFA assists USDA and other state or tribal governments to do the same whenever called 

upon.

CDFA relies on an ad-hoc advisory group to provide guidance on the different components of the 

traceability programs. We recognize that certain animal movements are higher risk for causing disease 

events. High-risk movements include animals that move frequently, commingle with animals from 

multiple sources, and breeding animals that may have long lives. Therefore, implementation must 

account for differences in livestock practices and geographical areas. The advisory group helps to 

identify those differences and provide science-based recommendations. The advisory group was 

engaged in updating the California ADT regulations in 2017 and will be engaged as CDFA develops a 

strategy for the transition from visual to electronic animal identification.
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2.2 Where are we now?

How is ADT currently defined? 

Traceability is defined at CDFA as the ability to rapidly trace movements of diseased animals 

or at-risk animals exposed to disease to ensure a prompt response to an animal disease event.

Because it has implication for most of the other programs and initiatives of the Animal Health 

Branch, there is significant integration of ADT into many of our other programs. While the 

ADT Unit has dedicated staff, they become involved in cross functional teams during outbreaks 

and on projects with ADT implications. 

National Priority Trace Exercises (NPTs) and real traces are the measures we use for the 

effectiveness of the ADT Program. We use the time the NPTs take from when they are issued

to the completion of the trace to assess our speed and accuracy in performing a trace. For real 

traces, the measure of assessment is a true determination of how many of the animals we can

find. Our NPTs typically take less than an hour from the time we receive the query to when we 

have all the relevant data entered in to EMRS.

How is coordination being currently achieved within the unit?

COVID- 19 has irrevocably changed how organizations, and CDFA work. The State has 

embraced remote work and the Unit employs a hybrid work schedule. The core members of 

the Unit use weekly check in meetings, Microsoft Teams, and email to keep in touch while not 

in the office together. Time in the office is coordinated to maximize collaboration for activities 

that benefit from in person participation. 

How is coordination currently being achieved statewide? How does the present unit 

coordinate activities with other existing agencies/units?

The Animal Health Branch (AHB) meets weekly via Teams with each district and program 

sharing current projects and issues. Issues related to ADT are also discussed via email and 

during district visits. The AHB is identifying a designated ADT Point of Contact (POC) within 

each District. Once the POCs are all established, the ADT Unit Lead will facilitate monthly 

meetings among the ADT Unit and POCs to discuss program implementation challenges and 

solutions to work towards uniform statewide implementation of the program goals and 

objectives. CDFA staff are also in frequent communication with their regional USDA 

counterparts, working together on traces, outreach etc. Quarterly joint USDA CDFA ADT 

Meetings are open to all CDFA Animal Health Branch and USDA VS in the area as well as 

CDFA Brand Inspectors. 

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

within and outside the agency/unit/dept. etc. for sharing data when needed.

CDFA uses our own Emerging Threats (ET) Database to record vaccinations, tag sightings, 

outreach and education events and occurrences, and enforcement actions, among other things. 

The current ET system has the functionality and capacity to hold all the ADT related data and 

is used by other programs within CDFA. For example, in addition to the AHB data, ET collects 

records of border crossings from the system our Border Protection Stations use to record 

animals entering the state and Brand Inspectors also use an application that feeds data into ET. 
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CDFA is in the process of updating ET (ET 2.0), a project that is expected to take five (5) years. 

We are in the process of automating ET’s capability to produce CSV files that can be imported 

directly into AHER so that data can be shared outside of the Department.

Are requests for information available 24/7, or only available M-F, 40 hours per week, if 

authorized personnel are present?

As data extraction currently requires a CDFA staff member, routine requests for data are 

available M-F, 40 hours per week. However, all AHB staff recognize that they are emergency 

responders and so, data is available 24/7 on an emergency basis. All digital media is web based 

and available to be accessed remotely through secure connections.

What is the impact of state funding on capability? How does Federal funding fit into the 

plan? 

CDFA uses a combination of state and federal funds to support our ADT Program. State funds

primarily support personnel and travel costs for program implementation; whereas federal 

funds supplement the program overall costs covering a portion of personnel, travel, and fully 

covering the costs for equipment such as tags, applicators, and readers that are distributed to 

the livestock industry.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

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

personnel capabilities, etc.?

1. The CDFA – AHB is a large Branch, nearing 100 employees, that are geographically located 

across the state to maximize local interaction with the livestock industry. AHB has a 

headquarters office and four (4) district offices each with their own team of veterinarians, 

environmental scientists, and livestock inspectors with relationships to local producers, 

livestock markets and processors.

2. CDFA – AHB has a designated Animal Disease Traceability team consisting of the 

headquarters unit (two (2) veterinarians and two (2) staff for the movement permit desk) as well 

as a dedicated Point of Contact in each district for a total of eight (8), that coordinates the ADT 

program across the state. Within each district, several staff (veterinarians, environmental 

scientists, and livestock inspectors) implement the program. 

3. CDFA and USDA staff are co-located at the four (4) district offices leading to improved 

collaborations. CDFA thus works very closely with USDA staff, sharing resources and 

collaborating on initiatives.

4. CDFA has an extensive in-house database that is utilized by all Branches within the Animal 

Health and Food Safety Services Division, maximizing additional resources for core data entry. 

The ET database stores ID sightings corelated with premises and Accredited Veterinarians. ET 

tracks premises and location data and records inspections, outreach, enforcement and 

compliance events across branches. The database is also searchable, providing a resource for 
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investigations and traces. An updated version of this database is currently being designed and 

is expected in 3- 5 years.

5. California has sixteen (16) Agricultural Inspection Stations located around the California 

border that record traceability information in a web-based computer system. Animal Health 

Branch staff can access the data daily to monitor compliance with import regulations. This extra 

data point has been very useful in traces.

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

capabilities, etc.?

1. Technology lag is our greatest weakness. We do not yet have a mechanism to collect eCVI 

data electronically and must therefore rely on paper or electronically filed PDF CVIs. The ET 

database also cannot currently capture RFID numbers and therefore distribution data is stored 

in a OneDrive Excel spreadsheet.

2. Potential staffing shortages and recruitment challenges are another weakness. We expect 

retirements to continue during the period covered in this roadmap, leaving both gaps in 

personnel as well as gaps in institutional knowledge and relationships with industry partners. 

In addition, we struggle to recruit and retain staff due to salary inequities amongst different 

classifications within the state system.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

• Does this plan enable or avoid consequences of potential threats?

California is frequently plagued by wildfires and has suffered under drought for almost a 

decade. Both of these emergencies, whether they be chronic or more acute, sometimes require 

rapid movement of animals. Our ADT plan creates opportunities wherein we are able aid 

livestock industries with the movement of animals out of harm’s way while still maintain good 

traceability of the animals. For example, during fire season, we monitor evacuation zones and 

work with producers and neighboring states to determine safe animal movements while 

maintaining traceability integrity. Additionally, despite the use of paper-based system, our 

staffing and coordination with USDA and industry partners ensures that we are able to rapidly 

trace in the event of a disease and avoid the economic consequences of these potential threats.

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

We work constantly to use our resources more efficiently and effectively. Moving toward 

automation of CVI processing and improving our ET database will greatly increase staff time 

available for other tasks. Creating better and more interconnected databases makes data more 

accessible to both CDFA and USDA. Educating through outreach not only increases adoption 

of time saving technologies but also improves knowledge among external stakeholders. 

Education on the goals and purpose of the ADT program as well as the implementation 

requirements, will improve overall compliance. 

• Does this plan enhance networking opportunities?

Outreach as an opportunity to connect with other stakeholders is a cornerstone of this Roadmap. 

Every outreach event, be it in person, virtual or a phone call, is a chance to grow our network 
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of producers and veterinarians. By participating in industry groups like the California Livestock 

Auction Market Association and building relationships with them we also open doors to other 

groups and individuals.

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

be tasked with doing so?

The threats if this plan is not implemented are that California will fail to advance its traceability 

into the 21st century and capitalize on the technological advancements available to us. The 

effects of an outbreak could have a more prolonged or severe effect on agriculture industries 

affected. There is no alternate group to implement this plan.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

This section is intended to provide a more detailed and technical assessment of existing 

infrastructure than the “Who we are” section. An outcome of this section is to support the 

requirements analysis for funding prioritization and justification.

• Human resources

The ADT Unit is composed of four (4) staff: a supervising veterinarian, a veterinarian who 

serves as program lead, one (1) environmental scientist, and one (1) livestock inspector located 

at the Sacramento Headquarters office. The ADT lead is responsible for outreach as well as 

relevant projects. Such projects range from working with the IT department toward improving 

database function, serving as permitting lead in outbreak situations and other relevant activities. 

That person also completes the Cooperative Agreement, Quarterly Reports and this Roadmap. 

Both the Livestock Inspector and the Environmental Scientist staff the permit desk at 

Headquarters. They issue daily permits as well as manage commuter herd agreements, special 

entry permits and review incoming and outgoing CVIs. All four headquarters staff work closely 

together on violation letters and other issues that emerge. Throughout the state, field 

veterinarians, environmental scientists, and livestock inspectors implement the ADT program. 

Each district has a designated ADT point person for the purpose of better connecting the districts 

with the headquarters staff and improving communication of National ADT priorities. The Unit 

consults with and draws upon additional species experts for bovine, equine, poultry, swine, and 

small ruminant specific issues. The ADT Unit also works with other divisions and branches 

within CDFA including the Border Protection Stations and Brand Inspections to collect 

movement data.

• Space availability

Like so many other organizations, COVID-19 has led CDFA to offer telework to its employees. 

This has led us to downsize physical facilities and consolidate the AHB within the CDFA main 

headquarters building. Offices, cubicles, and conference rooms are available to staff when 

situations require some or all be physically present in one location. The permit desk is staffed 

out of the Sacramento Headquarters office by an in-person employee daily. Each district office 

also has office, desk, and conference room space for any in-person requirements. 

• Connectivity resources, both in office and in the field
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All staff are issued laptops and cellphones with hotspot capability. All databases are accessible 

via the internet. Forms and files relevant to the program are available on shared, secure servers.

• Access to USDA ADT and animal health information resources

ADT Staff attend monthly ADT Info Sharing Meetings and share what they have learned with 

the rest of the Branch. The Branch meets quarterly with California based USDA ADT staff to 

share information. EMRS, AIMS and VSPS access is granted to all staff who require access to 

perform their duties.

• Organization of all existing paper record systems used to access ADT or animal health 

information

Non-digital records are predominately CVIs which are stored for ten years by year, month and 

species in the Headquarters building in Sacramento. The most recent two years are maintained

in the Animal Health Branch Offices. The rest are locked in storage areas within the building.

• Computerized data management capability, including present storage size, speed, security, etc. 

The State is continuously working to increase ADT/IT capabilities; although numerous 

obstacles have reduced progress on developing databases, the state has supplied the computers, 

networks, and personnel to manage data capacity. Data access speed is dependent on location 

and type of connection; however, all staff have access to either the headquarters office or a 

district office where speeds are adequate to access and transfer all necessary data. The CDFA 

Office of Information Technology Services is responsible for the department IT security and is 

continuously monitoring for external threats. Cyberattack awareness and prevention training 

are mandatory for all CDFA staff. 

• Automated data capture capability

ET can accept uploads from MIM as well as CSV files. With the new version of ET, we will 

increase automated data capture capability.

3 VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

The ADT program protects California’s animal agriculture industry by “being a step ahead” in 

reducing the likelihood of disease introduction into the state through enforcement of entry 

requirements; and in reducing the impact of animal diseases through rapid tracing of animal 

movements and identification of exposed or at-risk animals.

3.2 Mission Statement

The Animal Health Branch is the State's organized, professional veterinary medical unit that 

protects livestock populations, consumers, and California's economy from catastrophic animal 

diseases, disasters that impact animals, and other health or agricultural problems. The Branch 

addresses diseases and other problems that cannot be successfully controlled on an individual 

animal or herd basis but require state-wide coordinated resources. Implementing programs 
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which protect California's livestock industries and consumers, ensures the availability, 

affordability, and wholesomeness of food 

4 TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

CDFA fully supports the goals of USDA’s ADT Program: 

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

veterinarians, and industry; including sharing basic ADT data with the Federal Animal Health 

Events Repository (AHER) 

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

make the transmission of data more efficient. 

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

tracking data points to be connected. 

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

certificates are electronically transmitted from private veterinarians to State animal health 

officials. 

4.2 Programmatic Goals 

Goals for CDFA’s ADT Program 

1. Promote Traceable Identification and Recordkeeping Through Outreach and Education 

2. Utilize Enforcement to Incentivize Compliance 

3. Encourage Adoption of Electronic ID and Records

4. Modernize Internal Data Handling to Improve Accuracy and Accessibility of Records 

FY 2022 Goals 

• Increase Accredited Veterinarians Knowledge of ADT Regulations through Outreach and 

Education 

• Improve dairy calf ID via increased enforcement

• Promote RFID adoption and distribution through Outreach and Education as well as ongoing 

distribution of RFID devices, taggers, and readers 

• Create RFID recording capacity in ET through continued collaboration with CDFA Office of 

Information Technology Services 

FY 2023 Goals

• Partner with Border Stations to improve data collection and shipper compliance 

• Make CVI data digital and searchable through continued collaboration with CDFA Office of 

Information Technology Services 
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• Prepare IT infrastructure of digital ID transition through continued collaboration with CDFA 

Office of Information Technology Services

FY 2024 Goals

• Convert more veterinary practices to eCVI through Outreach and Education

Maximize data collection and integration through continued collaboration with CDFA Office 

of Information Technology Services

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

CDFA ADT has a proven track record and will continue completing USDA’s National Priority 

Traces (NPTs) to record California’s tracing capabilities. The NPTs will reflect tracing 

capabilities based on four Trace Performance Measures (TPMs): 1. In what state was an animal 

officially identified? 2. Where in the state was the animal officially identified? 3. From what 

state was an animal shipped? 4. From what location was an exported animal shipped?

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

California standards for official animal ID match those recognized in the code of federal 

regulations and general standards document. CDFA currently has brand agreements with 

Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. These agreements do not exempt the cattle from bearing the 

official ID but exempt them from writing the ID numbers on the CVI. These states can instead 

write the brand to ID the cattle on the CVI.

• What tag distribution record keeping systems are being used? 

Tags are currently recorded in a spreadsheet in a shared One Drive Folder both when they are 

distributed to the veterinarian and when they are applied. Part of our short term ET updates is 

to add the 16-digit RFID fields into existing data entry and reporting functions so tags data can 

be recorded, tracked, and reported via our ET database. 

• What data requirements exist for commuter herd agreements?

Pasture to Pasture Permits require origin and destination location details, owner, manager and 

veterinarian contact information, brand description, animal numbers, Trichomonosis testing 

information if bulls are included on the permit and what type of official ID the animals have.

We also honor Extended Equine CVIs (eeCVI) and Working Horse Permits (WHP)

• What forms are approved for interstate movement in addition to ICVIs?

Pasture to Pasture Permits, Owner Shipper Statements, eeCVI, WHP 

• How and when will data be shared with other States, Tribes, Territories, and USDA? 
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Our ADT data is available by request to other States, Tribes, Territories, and USDA during 

normal business hours and when needed during an emergency. Additionally, data are provided 

via reports on a quarterly, annual, and ad hoc basis as requested. 

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

Group lot numbers are only used for groups of swine and poultry moving together or sheep and

goats going to slaughter using an owner-hauler form.

4.5 Information technology plan 

During the first year of the plan CDFA will work to fix the current issues with our ET database 

so that we will be able to record NUES and RFID tags with vaccination. We will also either 

incorporate the functionality for RFID distribution by field offices and redistribution by vets 

into ET or another system. Systems under consideration include USDA AIMS. Work will 

continue on the program that records, stores and helps process CVIs.

4.6 Resource requirements

• Is specific expertise needed that is not currently available?: Will consultants be needed?

We are not lacking any specific expertise to complete this plan. No consultants are needed at

this time.

• Is a continuity of operation plan (COOP) in place and how frequently is it tested?:

While no formal COOP plan is in place, we do have structures in place to maintain business

continuity. We maintain operational manuals and thoroughly document activities. All files are

kept on shared, secure servers that can be accessed from anywhere enabling them to be accessed

by multiple people from multiple locations. We also cross train our staff on essential tasks

ensuring personnel capability to maintain business operations. Over the past 212 1/2 years of

COVID, we have had the opportunity to test and improve our COOP plan as we have had to

pivot to meet the conditions of the times.

• Are automated data capture resources needed?:

Automated data capture resources are needed. These resources would save significant human

resources and reduce errors in processing documents by hand. While we can batch import ID

numbers into ET, almost every other function of ADT data capture is done by hand entry.

4.7 Organizational needs 

• Does a need for organizational change exist? Is it recognized? Can additional resources be

leveraged within the current administrative structure?

We are in the process of implementing an organizational change. It has long been recognized

that there has been a disconnect between the HQ ADT Unit, district offices, and standard

implementation of the program across the state. Our districts offices are the ones executing

critical tasks for the ADT Program. We have recently updated job descriptions and created new

positions in the districts so that each district has one “ADT Point Person.” This Environmental

Scientist or Senior Livestock Inspector will participate in regular ADT Team meetings to
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discuss issues related to the program and its implementation and shape the initiatives of the 

program going forward. They will also serve as a resource and ADT expert for other staff in 

their district. 

4.7.1 Executive support

Executive management is very supportive of ADT initiatives. Regular updates are provided in 

weekly staff meetings, quarterly Joint CDFA USDA ADT meetings, and other programmatic 

communication. The Division Director views the ADT program as one of the major initiatives 

to support our livestock industries moving forward. 

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

• What is the make-up of the applicant’s ADT advisory group? How frequently are they 

engaged?

Individuals from the following entities have participated in the advisory group. They are 

engaged when there is new legislation or other need for input. We also rely on the Cattle 

Health Advisory Task Force when issues pertain to cattle specific considerations.

• Baker Rendering Commodities 

• California Beef Council

• California Cattlemen's Association 

• California Dairy Campaign

• California Depart. of Food & Agriculture. 

• California Farm Bureau Federation California

• Grain and Feed Association 

• California Horse Racing Board

• California Livestock Market Association 

• California Pork Producers Association 

• California Poultry Federation

• California State Fair

• California State University, Chico California State University, Fresno

• California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 

• California Veterinary Medical Association

• California Woolgrowers Association 

• Lassen College

• Merced College

• Milk Producers Council 

• National Holstein Association 

• National Meat Association

• Turlock Livestock Auction Yard

• United States Department of Agriculture 

• University of California, Davis 

• Western United Dairymen
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4.7.3 Policy

CDFA policies currently match or exceed all federal ADT Rules. CDFA will continue to review

our state regulations and update as needed. Additionally, we will review Department and Branch 

policies for implementationof the ADT regulations and update as needed.

4.7.4 Staffing

Full time staff are required to run the permit desk. Currently the desk has two staff members that issue

permits, field questions, and review incoming and outgoing CVIs. A full-time veterinarian handles 

outreach, writes the Cooperative Agreement and this Roadmap and provides quarterly reports to USDA 

staff. That veterinarian also gets involved in outbreak permitting and serves as a subject matter expert 

when needed. Staff work together to manage RFID distribution, update policy and regulations, deal 

with violations and numerous other ADT tasks. Desk staff must have livestock experience, be detail 

oriented and provide good customer service. One, the Environmental Scientist is required to have a 4-

year college degree. 

In each district an Environmental Scientist or Senior Livestock Inspector will be the POC for the ADT 

program. Additionally, all field staff within the district (Veterinarians, Environmental Scientists, Sr. 

Livestock Inspectors, Livestock Inspectors) all have duties related to the implementation of the ADT 

program. Qualifications for these classifications include Veterinary degrees, college degrees, and/or 

livestock experience. 

Because we already fully utilize both CDFA and USDA staff throughout the state to implement ADT, 

there are no additional resources available to be leveraged for additional work. 

• Are professional credentials and certification an issue?

Veterinarians must maintain their licenses, but we choose to see this as an opportunity rather than an 

encumbrance. Conferences not only provide opportunities to learn new things and keep up to date on 

relevant issues but also give CDFA veterinarians a chance to create or renew relationships with other 

veterinarians. These may be subject matter experts in academia or industry. But just as important are 

the accredited veterinarians who call for permits or get involved in outbreaks. Developing and 

maintaining relationships with them strengthens our program and makes it more effective.

• Is ADT information a distinct function within the unit or an add-on “coordinated by committee” 

versus an individually coordinated, stand-alone sub-unit?

The permit desk staff and ADT lead are almost wholly devoted to ADT. However much relevant 

outreach, data collection and enforcement is performed by district staff. 

4.7.5 Budget requirements

• How are you funded for ADT? State, Tribe, Territory versus Federal? In addition to funds received in 

the cooperative agreement, all animal health programs, including disease surveillance, emergency 

response, and animal disease traceability are funded by California General Fund. Brand inspection is 

funded by industry fees.

• What are the funding requirements projected by year for first, second and third year for implementing 

this plan? The ADT cooperative agreement money plus the State matching funds – for each year.
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• How is cost sharing achieved?

Shared largely according to number of positions (state vs federal) and specific projects that are being 

advanced.

• How can the applicant insulate against budget cuts and shortfalls?

Budget cuts impact results, but can be managed by making the cuts where they have the least impact 

on the program. 

• Can other funding sources be leveraged to support this plan?: Currently no other funding source is 

being leveraged. State general funds are being used to support permanent positions for personnel in the 

ADT program.

4.7.6 Outreach 

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

Accredited veterinarians are instrumental to the advancement of ADT in livestock and poultry.

• What is the plan for informing accredited veterinarians of the new guidelines for official ID and the 

specific three-year plan for implementation?

• 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?

• What is the plan for enhancing the use of eICVIs, if any?

• What role, if any, does the accredited veterinarian have in providing low-cost, official identification 

tags/devices to producers?

CDFA ADT will embark on a plan to reach accredited veterinarians and ensure their understanding of 

official ID guidelines and the technology they can use to help data reach us more quickly and 

accurately. Continuing education opportunities will include content to make eCVI and RFID accessible

to all. These events will also serve as listening sessions to help us learn what barriers exist for adoption. 

We can then tailor program implementation and outreach to help alleviate or train around as many of 

these issues as possible. Accredited veterinarians play a vital role in free RFID distribution as we 

require their involvement in order to distribute tags.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

Because of frequent commingling of livestock, and sometimes poultry, at livestock markets, increased 

biosecurity risks are incurred and, as a result, the importance of access to traceability information when 

needed is important.

• What continuing education efforts are being planned for addressing the concerns of the slaughter plants

in the jurisdiction?

• What is the plan for accessing or requesting traceability information from slaughter plants?

District staff work hard to maintain relationships with California’s slaughter facilities. By providing 

resources to them and working collaboratively with them to meet traceability requirements they have 

become instrumental team members. Slaughter facilities participate in mock traces to help them 

improve traceability. Two of the slaughter facilities in California have panel readers to collect RFID 

data and a third will be added in FY2022. 
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4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole 

Implementation of any plan to advance ADT impacts a variety of constituents, likely none more so 

than industry itself. 

• How is industry being informed of the implementation plan? 

• How is the advisory committee being leveraged for this continuing education purpose? 

• What other resources are available for industry outreach?

CDFA shares information with industry at events such as field days, and other events related to 

livestock. Information is updated on our website and published in our quarterly newsletters. 

Information is disseminated at livestock markets particularly to correct errors and via stakeholder 

organizations on our Cattle Health Advisory Task Force and our advisory group. 

• What constitutes industry? What species are involved? 

Because cattle are such an important part of ADT, industry primarily involves beef and dairy producers, 

brokers, livestock markets and processors. However, ADT also includes sheep, goats, swine, horses 

and poultry. 

• How are under-represented and under-served communities being included in the outreach plan?

CDFA actively promotes an inclusive environment with outreach to racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ 

community. We endeavor to be inviting to all participants in the livestock industry and meet the needs 

of under-served groups through multilingual resources and staff.

4.8. Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity 

• How will the number of animals and the number of shipments be monitored that move interstate?: 

Animals entering California will be monitored in the Interstate Entry Permit System, on the incoming ICVIs, 

and through Agriculture Inspection Border Protection Stations

• How will the data be verified or validated?: Entry permits are monitored by district personnel according to 

destination and the shipment paperwork is reviewed when appropriate. ICVIs are reviewed for deficiencies by 

headquarters personnel. Border crossing data are reviewing daily, or as time permits, and cleaned when

necessary. Crossings that warrant further investigation are reported to the district Veterinarians-in-Charge.

The following data can be pulled from CVI counts which are updated multiple times a week. 

With our IT Division we are working on a program to aggregate and manage CVI data. 

• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents created within the State/Tribe/Territory 

on a year-to-date basis for move-out animals; 

• Number of ICVIs and other interstate movement documents received for move-in animals

• 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
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• Volume of distribution for each official numbering system/device issued by the State/Tribe/Territory

and/or AVIC office, including backtags by market or slaughter facility

5 ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

• Reach Accredited Veterinarians directly regarding their understanding and use of RFID technology 

and eCVI as well as their grasp of ADT rules and their responsibilities. 

• Complete updates to ET so that vaccination tags can be recorded and data can be provided to AHER

• Update tag distribution record system

• Update California Scrapie Regulations so that they match federal regulations

• Digitize processing of CVIs and promote use of electronic CVIs

• Continue Outreach plan with emphasis on Tagging Sites and Livestock Marketing facilities. 

• Continue work on improved database ET 2.0 and/or investigate alternatives

• Improve retrieval of available traceability information

• Continue Outreach plan with emphasis on beef and dairy producers. 

• Continue work on improved database ET 2.0 and/or implementation of alternative

5.2 Implementation of objectives

• Continue to promote the use of electronic identification to accredited veterinarians and livestock 

producers. Create trainings for eCVI and RFID technology. 

• Increase number of accredited veterinarians utilizing electronic platforms to report program disease 

work and submit electronic certificates of veterinary inspection –

• Improve ET Database so that it is a reliable repository of RFID and other tag data

• Develop plan for data integration with AHER