Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Requirements for Cervidae species moving Interstate

Q. What are the ADT requirements for moving captive cervids interstate?

A. Captive cervids moving interstate must be officially identified prior to interstate movement in 

accordance with 9 CFR, part 77. There may be different requirements for the different diseases, e.g. TB, 

Brucellosis, and CWD.

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Captive cervids from TB accredited herds may move interstate without testing within 36 months of their 

last accreditation test. They must be identified by an official identification number approved by APHIS 

and be listed on an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI). 

Captive cervids moving interstate from a non-accredited herd must be officially identified; and 

accompanied by an ICVI stating that the herd from which they originated was negative to a whole herd 

test conducted within 1 year prior to the date of movement and that the individual animals to be moved 

were negative to an additional official tuberculin test or serological TB test conducted within 90 days 

prior to the date of movement; Except that: The additional test is not required if the animals are moved 

interstate within 6 months following the whole herd test.

It is always advisable to contact the importing state to find if they have more stringent entry 

requirements than APHIS does for interstate movement.

Q. What are ADT requirements related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) for moving captive cervid 

species interstate?

A. The ADT rule does not currently reference the Final CWD rule’s requirements for interstate 

movement of CWD susceptible species. However, the Final CWD rule does require that captive cervids 

of CWD susceptible species [deer, elk, and moose (all Odocoileus spp. and Cervus spp. and their hybrids 

and Alces alces)].that are moving in interstate commerce must have two forms of ID, one of which is 

an official ID. The animals must be accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection 

(ICVI) or other approved movement document that shows any official animal identification numbers of 

each animal to be moved.

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Note: Beginning March 13, 2013, no more than one official eartag may be applied to an animal unless 

the second official eartag bears the same number as the existing official ID, except as stated in 9 CFR 

86.4(c).

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Note: For CWD-susceptible cervid species, the ICVI must also include:

• The number of animals covered by the certificate

• The purpose for which the animals are to be moved

• The points of origin and destination

• The consignor and the consignee

• A statement by the issuing veterinarian that the animals were not exhibiting clinical signs 

associated with CWD at the time of examination, and

• A statement that the animals are from a herd that has achieved Certified status in the CWD Herd 

Certification Program unless consignment destination is direct to slaughter or if consignment is 

part of a translocation of CWD-susceptible cervids originating from a population of free-ranging 

cervids. (See link below)

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Q. Are there exemptions to interstate movement requirements for cervid species moving directly to 

slaughter?

A. The ADT rule refers to exemptions in part 77 (TB) for cervid species moving interstate directly to

recognized slaughtering establishments. However, the Final CWD Rule does require that cervid species 

covered by the Final CWD Rule moving interstate directly to recognized slaughter establishments have 

two forms of animal identification, one of which is official animal identification, and must be 

accompanied by an ICVI or other movement certificate. (see link below)

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Q. What would be the official identification methods and devices for captive cervidae species moving 

interstate?

A. Official identification for interstate movement of captive cervid species or CWD susceptible, freeranging cervid species captured for the purpose of translocation to another state would include a 

means, approved by the Administrator, of applying an official identification number to an animal of a 

specific species or associating an official identification number with an animal or group of animals of a 

specific species.

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Official identification numbers are nationally unique numbers permanently associated with an animal or 

group of animals and that adhere to one of the following systems:

• National Uniform Ear tagging System (NUES)

• Animal Identification Number (AIN)

• Location-based number system

• Flock-based number system

• Any other numbering system approved by the Administrator for the official identification of 

animals.

9 CFR 55.25 states that the means of animal identification must be approved for this use by APHIS, and 

must be an electronic implant, flank tattoo, ear tattoo, tamper-resistant ear tag, or other device 

approved by APHIS.

A summary of the criteria and options for official ear tags can be found at:

 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_eartags_criteria.pdf

A summary of approved identification devices can be found at the following links:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_ain.pdf

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_nues.pdf

Q. For CWD susceptible cervid species, what type of identification satisfies the requirement for a 

second form of identification?

A. The second form of identification must be unique for that animal within the herd and must be linked 

to that animal and herd in the CWD national database or in an approved State database. Acceptable 

methods could include, but are not limited to: bangle tags, metal clip tags, tattoos, brands, etc.

Q. When do the requirements for identification in the ADT become effective?

A. Both the final rule for Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate (ADT Final Rule) and the Final CWD 

Rule are currently in effect; however, a transition period has been established to alleviate some of the

burden imposed on producers by these two rules.

• Beginning March 11, 2014, all official ear tags manufactured must bear an official ear tag shield. 

Also after this date, producers using implantable microchips for identification in captive cervids

may only apply ISO compliant microchips. (See link below for approved devices)

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• Beginning March 11, 2015, all official ear tags applied to animals must bear an official eartag 

shield. Also after this date, producers may only apply approved 840 series tags or implantable 

microchips to captive cervids.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_ain.pdf

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_nues.pdf

Q. May I remove official identification from captive cervids?

A. Official identification devices are intended to provide permanent identification of livestock and to 

ensure the ability find the source of animal disease outbreaks. Removal of these devices is prohibited 

except at the time of slaughter, at any other location upon the death of the animal, or as otherwise 

approved by the State or Tribal animal health official, or area veterinarian in charge when a device 

needs to be replaced. (See additional information at link below.)

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Q. What types of records must I maintain for interstate movement of captive cervidae species?

A. Persons responsible for the animals leaving their farm or ranch for interstate movement are required 

to ensure that a copy of the ICVI or other interstate movement document accompanies the shipment. 

There is no requirement for these persons to maintain a copy of these documents in their records. 

However, it is highly encouraged that these movement documents be maintained as part of the herd’s 

permanent records in the event of an animal disease investigation.

Q. Where can I find more information on cervidae species identification requirements for interstate 

movement?

A. More information is available at the following websites:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2012/06/pdf/cwd_rule.pdf

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