APRIL 20, 2022

ADVANCING ADT

ROAD MAP FOR

THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

JANE LEWIS DVM, MSFS, DACVPM

STATE VETERINARIAN, BUREAU OF REGULATORY SERVICES

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

450 CAPITOL BLVD., SUITE 702, HARTFORD, CT 06103

(860) 713-2541

[SIGNATURE] ___________________________________________________________________ 

Submitted to:

BRADLEY KEOUGH, DVM

NEW ENGLAND AREA VETERINARIAN IN CHARGE

FIELD OPERATIONS, DISTRICT 1 

USDA, APHIS, VS

146 MENDON STREET, SUITE MM-2-W, UXBRIDGE, MA 01590

(508) 363-2280

Date: April 20, 2022 
Table of Contents

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

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION............................................................................ 5

2.1 Who are we? ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Where are we now?............................................................................................................. 6

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................................................. 8

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................... 9

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment........................................ 10

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY..................... 10

3.1 Vision statement ............................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Mission statement ............................................................................................................. 10

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

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

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives) .................................................................................. 11

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

4.4 Data requirements............................................................................................................. 12

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

4.6 Resource requirements...................................................................................................... 13

4.7 Organizational needs......................................................................................................... 13

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

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

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................. 13

4.7.4 Staffing.......................................................................................................... 13

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

4.7.6 Outreach ........................................................................................................ 14

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians................................................................... 14

4.7.6.2 Slaughter Plants................................................................................ 14

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole........................................................................... 15

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity ................................................... 15

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY........................................................................................... 16

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement ............................................................................. 16

5.2 Implementation of objectives............................................................................................ 16
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (the DoAg), with the continued support of USDA 

and Connecticut livestock producers will continue to enhance an Animal Disease Traceability 

System that will protect public/animal health and improve our ability to respond to an animal 

disease outbreak, act of bioterrorism or natural disaster. In addition, enhancing and 

maintaining a rigorous state Animal Disease Traceability system will ensure compliance with 

interstate and international livestock trade requirements and enable Connecticut producers to 

be well-positioned to take advantage of the economic benefits associated with today’s 

livestock related commerce.

The DoAg has made significant improvements to outdated methods of data collection, storage, 

and data base searchability as well as expanding its sources of data since the ADT program 

was initially implemented. However, there is still a need for advancement in order to achieve 

a more comprehensive, integrated system that facilitates rapid search capabilities, 

communicates with other state and federal agencies and, therefore, successfully provides the 

ability to trace animal movements in a timely and accurate manner. 

Fundamental problems

Fundamental problems that need to be addressed are as follows:

• Identifying premises where livestock and poultry are kept. 

• Identifying and enumerating livestock and poultry kept in this state. 

• Maintaining the information and timely updates of premise and animal 

information. 

• Antiquated state laws and regulations that impede our ability to gather premise 

and animal information. 

• Resistance to the use of Official Identification devices and record keeping of ID’s 

applied to in-state animals.

• Lack of funding to obtain an adequate, searchable, electronic data base system to 

monitor and record animal ID and movement documents and the human resources 

necessary to effectively utilize and manage such a system. 

Key elements

• Continued educational outreach to owners of smaller scale (“backyard”) and noncommercial livestock and poultry operations as well as commercial producers that 

may not utilize standardized, official identification in their management systems.

• Continued educational outreach to Federally Accredited Veterinarians relative to 

state and federal requirements of the Animal Disease Traceability. 

• Maintain inventory and record of Official Identification devices for continued 

distribution to producers and accredited veterinarians. 

• Educational outreach to CT Licensed Livestock dealers and the sole USDAapproved CT livestock market relative to ADT requirements. 

• Implement standardization of record keeping in the sole USDA approved and CT 

licensed livestock market to ensure the timely availability of accurate information 

required to conduct trace backs. 
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• Continued enhancement of electronic methods of tracking DoAg’s distribution of 

Official Identification devices and identification of premise locations of livestock 

and poultry within the state.

Primary benefits

• Enhanced ability to conduct trace back and trace forward in the event of a disease 

outbreak or other emergency driven responses. 

• Facilitate animal movement for CT producers who are compliant with ADT 

requirements to maximize the value of CT origin animals. 

• Support and enhance animal health information systems.

Building on previous efforts to advance animal disease traceability

• Since 2013, all out of state ICVI’s accompanying animals entering CT are scanned 

to River City data by VetSentry where certain designated data fields are indexed 

into a searchable web-based database. 

• In 2014, CT origin ICVI’s were also included in the information exported to River 

City data by VetSentry. This was initiated due to the time constraints for entering 

data into the VSPS system and the inconsistent reliability of the VSPS system in 

maintaining information and its inability to generate needed reports. 

• Recently, the DoAg has further expanded on the information exported to River City 

data by VetSentry for inclusion in the searchable database. This has been 

accomplished by including information acquired from Brucellosis and TB test chart 

results, Brucellosis calf hood vaccination certificates and swine Pseudorabies and 

Brucellosis test results. 

• Livestock fair and show superintendent reports listing exhibited animals and 

ownership contact information are reviewed for compliance with Official ID 

requirements, and notifications of non-compliance along with outreach information 

are sent to individual exhibitors. This information is utilized in the issuance of PINS 

in EMRS2. In 2017 an electronic version of the Livestock Fair Superintendent 

Form was released. 

• For the past 8 years, Official ID device distribution data has been and continues to 

be entered into an in-house electronic database (EXCEL spreadsheet). Data has 

also been entered into the USDA AINM database and EMRSII. 

• Provide for more timely trace backs and tracking of animal movements.

Alternatives explored

• Acquire additional staff to replace a current vacant clerical position to perform data 

entry into EMRS2 to assist the ADT Coordinator. 

• Explored acquiring USA Herds system but have not been able to secure funding.

• Explored acquiring CVI Central system from Trace First but have not been able to 

secure funding.

Projected costs

Expected project costs: (will be itemized in FY 2022 Cooperative Agreement for 

Traceability).
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II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

The State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture is responsible for administering 

animal health and disease surveillance programs including tracing animal movements 

and enforcing compliance with state and federal ADT requirements. 

Connecticut, although a relatively small state geographically, has a large domestic 

poultry population totaling over 6 million, the majority of which, 5.5 million, are in 

table egg production. Other populations of domestic poultry within the state include 

birds in smaller floor egg production operations, turkey meat production, upland game 

birds raised for release, small backyard rural and urban flocks and show birds raised 

by hobbyists. Connecticut is also home to Charles River Avian Products, a firm that 

raises and maintains flocks of specific pathogen free chickens to provide eggs and 

other avian products for use in research, laboratory diagnostic testing and the 

pharmaceutical industry both nationally and internationally. The poultry industry 

contributes over 250 million dollars a year to the Connecticut economy and provides 

several hundred jobs. 

As a result of the large poultry population in the state, there is a high volume of poultry 

and hatching egg movement, especially into the state, and a coincident large volume 

of import permits and corresponding NPIP and ICVI documents received by the 

DoAg. Considering the recent HPAI incidents in other parts of the U.S., it has become 

even more important for the DoAg to have the capability to efficiently track poultry 

and poultry product movements. Due to significant staffing shortages and current 

budgetary constraints, it is not possible to reassign other DoAg staff to our poultry or 

Traceability programs to input data from paper records into searchable electronic data 

bases. 

Who are the primary constituents? 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture is the primary constituent and is 

the state agency responsible for animal and poultry disease programs including ADT. 

Regarding ADT, such responsibilities include educational outreach and the collection 

of information from ID device distribution (including Scrapie); premise ID 

applications; Brucellosis and TB test records; laboratory submissions; brucellosis calf 

vaccination certificates; livestock and poultry import and exhibition permits and 

ICVI’s (both CT and out-of-state origin). This information is recorded into hard copy 

files and entered into various electronic searchable databases to facilitate tracking 

animal and poultry movements. 

Other stakeholders include producers, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic 

Laboratory (UConn), Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, University of 

Connecticut Cooperative Extension System, Connecticut Department of Public 
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Health, Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, 

Connecticut Farm Bureau Association.

Traceability data will be used in-house for epidemiological trace backs, as an 

enforcement tool with respect to non-compliance with state and federal ADT 

requirements by producers, livestock and poultry dealers, approved markets and 

accredited veterinarians. Externally, information will be available for other states and 

USDA relating to animal movements and compliance with ADT requirements 24/7. 

Public and animal health is the primary focus. Animal disease control is key to 

protecting the marketability of Connecticut livestock and poultry both domestically 

and internationally. To that end, the DoAg places a high importance on not only 

maintaining but also enhancing the elements of its ADT program. 

The CT Animal Traceability Advisory Committee consists of: 

CT Farm Bureau, CT Veterinary Medical Association, CT Fairs, NY &VT DHIA, 

UCONN and Cooperative Extension, Holstein Assn., CT Sheep breeders. Members’

resources and outreach have been utilized for mailing lists and support throughout 

ADT process. Contact has primarily been via phone and Email as needed, 2-3 times 

annually.

2.2 WHERE ARE WE NOW?

In CT, ADT remains a stand-alone initiative. The DoAg has made significant 

improvements to its in-house searchable electronic data bases and has expanded its 

utilization of USDA electronic data bases by increasing the amount of data entered. 

Initially, traceability was focused solely on animals involved in interstate movement 

for sale or exhibition, including both out of state origin animals moving into CT and 

CT origin animals moving to other states, and was based on data gathered from ICVIs 

and/or animal import permits. The ICVIs are scanned to River City data by VetSentry

where certain fields of data are uploaded into a searchable web-based database. As the 

program progressed, traceability expanded to include data on animals identified on 

test charts and vaccination certificates pursuant to their involvement in state and 

federal regulatory disease programs. Since 2015, information has been collected from 

Tuberculosis and Brucellosis test records and Brucellosis vaccination certificates. The 

information collected includes owner contact information, address, and individual 

animal identification. The total numbers of animals not officially identified on 

movement documents continues to decline since implementation of the state’s ADT 

program. The legibility of hand-written documents and partially completed ICVI’s 

remains problematic. Many CVI’s are not received in a timely fashion, adding to the 

delay in uploading information.

As the state expands its electronic record systems, the traditional paper file system is 

being maintained. Due to the physical relocation of the DoAg offices in 2017, and the 

coronavirus pandemic, organizational changes in the Bureau of Regulatory Services 
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occurred that included purging outdated records and significant changes to the 

structure of the document management systems

Regarding official cattle identification devices, Connecticut previously used 

Ketchum® metal cattle tags having nine characters: two numeric digit state code, 

three alpha series and four digits in a chronological numerical series and with the 

backside of the tags stamped with “CONN” and not the US shield. Once this inventory 

of tags was depleted, the DoAg transitioned to the use of fully NUES compliant cattle 

tags displaying the US shield and provided by HASCO. However, due to complaints 

from veterinarians and producers of ear infections and poor legibility, CT has returned 

to using NUES compliant cattle tags supplied by Ketchum®. DoAg has traditionally 

issued official cattle ID tags to veterinarians only but is now also issuing such tags, in 

addition to “840” tags, directly to producers, some of whom were previously receiving 

tags from DHIA. Direct distribution of official cattle identification devices to 

producers has been extremely successful and the number of producers requesting 

official ID devices and the volume of tags, especially NUES tags, provided to 

producers has far exceeded our expectations. As was the case with cattle tags, CT has 

transitioned to using fully NUES compliant metal swine tags. DoAg maintains official 

tag distribution and end-user tag records in two in-house catalog systems: (1) a 

historical hand-written bound ledger with tag numbers pre-entered and (2) an Excel 

searchable data base documenting outgoing tags and incoming tag application 

information contained on ID Tag Record Forms submitted by veterinarians and DoAg 

livestock inspectors. The Department maintains original paper files of all tag data 

entered into the in-house Excel database. This includes a copy of completed “Official 

Animal Identification Tag Application” forms (two-page NCR) that are signed by 

producers agreeing to usage and record-keeping guidelines and tag usage records from 

veterinarians and DoAg inspectors. 

DoAg receives producer and accredited veterinarian requests for the issuance of sheep 

and goat serial numbered ear tags. DoAg assigns PIN numbers and forwards the 

requests to USDA. The USDA assigns a flock ID number and distributes initial tag 

orders. 

Other USDA official ear tags requiring premise identification number (PIN) issued 

through the PIN allocator are handled through EMRS2 and the AIN tag manager. A 

separate hard-copy file is maintained to record tag distribution to producers by 

maintaining a copy of completed “Official Animal Identification Tag Application” 

forms (Premises Registration) that are signed by producers agreeing to usage and 

record-keeping guidelines. 

DoAg continues to use an in-house Microsoft Access-based electronic record system, 

developed and implemented in 2014, for issuing and recording livestock and poultry 

import permits. The system requires certain mandatory fields of data to be entered 

before an import permit can be completed, printed and issued in order to enhance the 

traceability of imported animals. The system has the capability and is used to match 

and track ICVI’s with their corresponding import permits and, therefore, is useful in 
8

determining if animals have met all import requirements. Finally, the system 

generates enforcement letters for violations of import requirements. 

As cited above, the DoAg uses an in-house developed Microsoft Access-based 

electronic record system for issuing and recording livestock and individual poultry 

import permits. This system does not capture poultry and hatching eggs imported 

under blanket or group import permits issued to out of state hatcheries. All 

information received from out of state hatcheries requesting import permits involving 

shipments to multiple destinations within CT will be entered into the EMRS2 

database, new premises will be issued a PIN number and an animal business(s) 

created, with primary phone number, primary species and purpose information entered 

as well. Fields of data will be captured from shipping invoices and 9-3 NPIP forms, 

including owner name, street address, and town to which birds are shipped. This will 

provide a more efficient means of identifying premises in CT where poultry are kept 

and/or sold and, therefore, will facilitate a more rapid and effective response to a 

poultry disease outbreak incident. 

All animals seized by the DoAg pursuant to animal neglect and cruelty investigations 

are Officially Identified with electronic devices such as RFID Tags and Equine 

microchips.

Currently, electronic tracing is not limited to any specific time of day and can be 

performed by ADT coordinator, the Bureau Director, or the State Veterinarian. Hard 

copy files are maintained and can be manually searched if necessary.

2.3 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Weaknesses

DoAg is not able to capture reliable premise location information for many smaller,

non-commercial type producers. 

DoAg does not have a useful and compatible electronic system that has the capability 

of automatically communicating with other systems promoted by USDA. DoAg’s 

current staffing levels, especially in clerical support, are not adequate to perform data 

entry in a timely manner into the COREONE application. 

The one and only approved livestock market in CT presents a significant weakness. 

The market operators have been unable to provide adequate records to enable timely 

tracing of animals that have moved through the market. Under prior management,

animals have not been properly identified, and records have not been provided to state 

and federal officials on a timely basis, if at all.
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Strengths

The DoAg considers Connecticut’s Animal Disease Traceability program an important 

element of the state’s overall livestock and poultry health programs. Activities related 

to the administration of the ADT program and its continued improvement is carried 

out by dedicated, motivated staff members that are committed to its success. 

With increasingly less reliance on paper only systems, the DoAg has continued to 

improve its capabilities and performance in successfully conducting timely traces 

and sharing information with other entities. The Trace Performance Measure (TPM) 

reports from USDA, APHIS, VS for Connecticut during the 2021 and 2022

Cooperative Agreement periods provide evidence of that continued success. 

TPM Elapsed Time

TPM 1 0.11 hours

TPM 2 0.06 hours

TPM 3 0.19 hours

TPM 4 0.41 hours

2.4 OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

Opportunities

• Enhance the DoAg’s relationship with and cooperation from industry to work 

toward achieving mutually beneficial goals.

• Enhance public health. 

• Enhance disaster response.

• Eliminate the redundancy resulting from maintaining separate systems to track 

premise and animal identification and movement data.

Threats

There continues to be resistance from non-traditional livestock entities that are 

customarily reluctant to accept all government regulatory oversight which presents a 

threat to the overall success of the ADT program. 

Resistance to comply with the provisions of the ADT Rule from approved livestock 

market and livestock/poultry dealers is still encountered. Withholding, and 

sometimes even falsification of information, is done to conceal illegal movements, 

restrict competition, conceal income sources, i.e., cash sales, and evade regulatory 

enforcement actions. 
10

2.5 INVENTORY OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT

• Currently, one full-time DoAg staff member serves part-time (12 hours per week) as 

the ADT Coordinator with 30% of her fulltime salary and fringe benefits funded by 

the 2022 Animal Disease Traceability Cooperative agreement. However, the ADT 

coordinator spends more than 30% of her time on this activity.

• The DoAg’s State Veterinarian, management staff and the CT Department of 

Administrative Services (DAS) staff provide administrative and financial management 

support. (DAS serves as DoAg’s business office.)

• 3 Full time animal health technicians provide support and outreach.

• All staff is equipped with laptop computers, wireless air cards, VPN, cell phones and 

can access a network provided by DAS when in the central office and remotely from 

the field.

• USDA animal disease traceability and animal health information resources are 

accessed via the internet remotely and from the DoAg central office. 

• CT origin and Out-of-State ICVIs, (post scanning for data base entry) are filed by the 

year and separated by species and individual months.

• Brucellosis and Tuberculosis test charts, (post scanning for data base entry) are also 

filed by year, species, and month. Swine Pseudorabies test result reports are a sub file 

included with the Brucellosis test result reports.

• Brucellosis calf vaccination certificates are filed chronologically for each year.

• A separate file is kept for individual herd Ring Tests (retail raw milk and cheese herds)

and are filed chronologically.

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 VISION STATEMENT

The Department of Agriculture will benefit the citizens of the state through proactive 

programs that address the issues of the changing face of agriculture.

3.2 MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to foster a healthy economic, 

environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating 

agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquaculture resources; enforcing laws 

pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens 

of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the 

state's economy.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 STRATEGIC GOAL(S)

Implement a Statewide system to distribute and track animal identification and capture 

animal ID information obtained from CVI’s. 
11

Update and maintain a plan that can be used for all hazard disaster response that will be 

used by multiple agencies within this state and interstate.

4.2 PROGRAMMATIC GOALS (objectives)

• Continue outreach activities to accredited veterinarians regarding the data quality and 

processing for animal health information forms 

• Continue outreach activities to industry regarding the importance and benefits of 

animal disease traceability

• Monitor CVI data quality 

• Continue scanning livestock movement documents to River City data by VetSentry to 

capture and input certain fields of data into a searchable data base to facilitate effective 

and timely traces.

• Improve and maintain retrieval of available traceability information.

• Update enforcement authority through legislation that streamlines and supports current 

requirements of the ADT rule clarify laws and regulations.

• Promote wider utilization of MIMs application by demonstrating its benefits to 

individual accredited veterinarians and groups of veterinarians within individual 

practices, especially those that manage commuter cattle herds within the state which 

are also the herds larger in size (1,000 head or more.) 

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

• Trace Performance Measure 1: Determines the State/Tribe in which the animal was 

officially identified and notifies the State/Tribe of the reference animal’s official ID 

number. (To be performed by the animal health official in the receiving state or tribe) 

o Less than one day to determine which state applied official ID and 

notification of the State Animal Health Official of the state of origin. 

CVIs could be searched electronically or manually within that time and 

once the animal location within the state has been determined, animal

identification could easily be physically confirmed by an animal health 

technician or the State Veterinarian visiting that farm. The caveat being 

that access to the farm may be restricted if the farm owner is not present. 

• Trace Performance Measure 2: Confirms that it has documentation that an official ID 

number has been issued within its jurisdiction and that it has contact information for 

the person who received that number. (To be performed by the animal health official 

in the state or tribe where application of official ID occurred.) 

o If Connecticut is notified that official ID has been applied in CT to 

a reference animal, it is expected that CT animal health officials 

could confirm that application within one day provided that the 

department has a record of that application. 

o It is expected that CT animal health officials could verify that a 

reference animal was identified within the state within five days if 

the department did not have records of the application of ID to the 

reference animal at the time of notification. 
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• Trace Performance Measure 3: Determines the State or Tribe from which the animal 

was moved interstate into its jurisdiction and notifies that State or Tribe of the 

reference animal’s official ID number. (To be performed by the animal health official 

in the receiving state or tribe.) This is somewhat dependent on the timeline in which 

CT animal health officials receive an CVI from the state of origin. The fact is that it 

is possible for the animal to arrive in the state long before the department receives an 

electronic or paper copy of an CVI. 

o Limiting factors in this are delays from accredited veterinarians in 

the state of origin forwarding copies to their state animal health 

officials, then further delays in review by the animal health officials 

in the state of origin and forwarding reviewed CVIs to CT. 

• Trace Performance Measure 4: Determines the address or location from which the 

reference animal was shipped. (To be performed by the animal health official in the 

state or tribe where the animal was shipped from.) 

o The time it would take to verify that a reference animal originated 

from CT would be less than one day provided that the department 

was in possession of an CVI bearing the animal’s ID and origin. 

There is the potential for delay from the accredited veterinarian in 

CT submitting the CVI in a timely fashion. The department will 

monitor and encourage timely submission of CVIs issued by 

accredited veterinarians. 

4.4 DATA REQUIREMENTS

• Location identification, if used, will be obtained from SPRS or EMRS2. 

• Official ID will comply with the CFR requirements. 

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-86

• Official ID will consist of “840” compliant tags and metal NUES tags (until such time 

that DoAg’s current inventory is depleted.) 

• Use of AINM database system to track distribution of ID devices is the goal. 

• Data will be shared with other states and USDA upon request. 

4.5 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLAN 

• Connecticut’s IT traceability program objectives will be met by indexing of data fields 

from animal movement and regulatory disease program documents by Vet-Sentry data 

entry into a searchable data base in combination with CT inputting tag distribution 

data into the AINM system. 

• Improving data sharing capabilities with other systems will be a priority in meeting 

program objectives. Connecticut ADT staff will work with Vet Sentry to build reports 

formatted to share and provide data to AHER. 

• Over the next three years we will continue to advocate for the purchase of a data 

system to manage CVIs, animal movements, and official test record data. 
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4.6 RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

• During the next 3 years and assuming no reduction in the current level of available 

resources, the DoAg will continue to gather premise, animal population and animal 

movement information. The ADT cooperative agreement will assist in funding staff 

for these activities. However, completion on a timely basis will be a challenge due to 

reductions in all staff available to assist with the ADT activities. 

• Once information is gathered, temporary staff or an intern may be an option for data 

entry into EMRS2 and in-house systems presently in place. 

• It is essential that the USDA APHIS VS traceability cooperative agreement funding 

allocated to Connecticut remain at least at present levels with no future reductions. 

This funding is required to adequately augment state resources dedicated to the ADT 

program and support necessary activities and accomplishments consistent with state 

and federal ADT program goals and objectives. 

4.7 ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS

4.7.1 Executive Support 

• The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture recognizes the importance of 

enhancing animal disease traceability in protecting the state’s livestock industry 

and facilitating commerce for Connecticut livestock producers through the ADT 

program as described in this road map. 

• The Commissioner holds a senior staff meeting weekly at which time any issues 

or updates related to the ADT program are presented.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures 

• Coordination and oversight procedures are in place in the administration of USDA 

Cooperative Agreements. Oversight for ADT activities is provided both by 

USDA, the State Veterinarian, and DoAg’s Acting Director of the Bureau of 

Regulatory Services, with the CT Department of Administrative Services (DAS) 

providing oversight of financial matters relative to the cooperative agreement.

• Administration of the ADT cooperative agreement follows the DoAg 

organizational structure. 

4.7.3 Policy 

• The DoAg adheres to all State of Connecticut policies regarding human resources, 

contracting, purchasing and accounts payable and the Code of State Ethics in 

administering USDA Cooperative Agreements. 

• Existing animal importation regulations will be reviewed and amended as 

necessary to maintain consistency with the federal ADT rule and to enhance 

interoperability with other state plans.

4.7.4 Staffing: Addressed in section 2.5 
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4.7.5 Budget requirements: Expenses paid with cooperative agreement funds are 

limited to only those identified in the Work and Financial Plans as approved by 

USDA with state oversight by DoAg and DAS. 

Cost sharing is achieved by support from the DoAg animal health unit staff, Bureau 

of Regulatory Services management, and the state veterinarian. In addition, the

DoAg provides workspace for data entry, storage space, administrative support, and 

a state assigned vehicle including all associated transportation costs incurred by the 

ADT Coordinator. 

Currently, the USDA Traceability Cooperative Agreement only partially funds 

Connecticut’s total activities relative to ADT and, similarly, partially funds a staff 

position dedicated to ADT activities. 

It is expected that FY 2022 CT traceability cooperative agreement funding level 

will be similar to that of the FY 2021 agreement and cover similar categories of 

eligible costs as that the FY 2021 agreement.

4.7.6 Outreach 

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

• Accredited veterinarians will be informed of changes and acceptable 

forms of official animal ID that will be required for issuance of ICVIs 

by direct communication, group email, Department, and professional 

newsletters as well as industry organizations. The phasing out of 

NUES tags being accepted as an official means of ID with the 

transition to RFID devices will be stressed. 

• When and if the DoAg adopts electronic ICVI submission processes, 

notification will be made through direct communication to Category 

2 accredited veterinarians, to industry organizations and other 

appropriate stakeholders. 

• Traceability staff will promote utilization of MIMs application and 

use of RFID identification by demonstration in veterinary practices 

that manage larger commuter herds that may see the benefit and 

savings in using an electronic data capture system in the field. 

• Accredited veterinarians are responsible for applying and reporting 

official identification devices.

 

4.7.6.2 Livestock markets

• Currently, state and/or USDA officials meet with all livestock market 

operators at least annually. CT livestock markets are monitored 

periodically by DoAg staff and/or USDA, VS staff. In 2017, Public 

Act No. 17-133 amended state law regulating Commission Sales 

Stables. It strengthened livestock commission sales record keeping 

requirements, facilitated record review by state officials and more 

clearly mandated compliance with official animal identification
15

requirements. Slaughter only tags will continue to be used for sheep 

and goats. 

• Out of state origin animals that are imported direct to the market, but 

that do not meet state importation laws and regulations, will be 

monitored for compliance with state and federal ADT requirements.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

• The number of producers inquiring about the use of Official ID 

devices continues to increase. In addition, DoAg’s direct distribution 

of Official ID devices to producers continues to steadily increase. 

These factors are an indication that acceptance of and compliance 

with ADT requirements continues to improve among both 

commercial and non-commercial producers.

• Compliance with ADT requirements by CT licensed livestock 

dealers and market segment of the industry continues to be a problem 

despite outreach education and enforcement activities. 

• Compliance with ADT requirements among Category 2 Accredited 

Veterinarians continues to improve. 

4.8 MONITORING AND REPORTING INTERSTATE MOVEMENT ACTIVITY 

• Since 2012, the following data is reported quarterly to APHIS, Veterinary Services as 

part of DoAg’s cooperative agreement for traceability.

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 movein 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 

electronic vs. paper documents.

o Volume of distribution for each official numbering system/device issued by the 

State/Tribe/Territory.

o Number of outreach events attended, and individual contacts made during 

outreach events and mailings

• Pursuant to the 2022 ADT guidance, the following data will also be captured and 

reported quarterly to USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services as part of DoAg’s 

cooperative agreement for traceability.

o Number and type of official identification distributed and /or applied.

o Number of Category II veterinarians using eCVIs.

o Number of eCVIs issued per species.
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o Compile a list of the eICVI applications used by accredited veterinarians within

Connecticut.

V ADVANCING TRACEBILITY 

5.1 RANKING OF PRIORITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT

Specific steps for advancement over the current level for ADT are as follows:

o Continue identifying premises and enumerating livestock and poultry kept 

within the state.

o Enhance the capability of electronic data sharing with other systems.

o Focus educational outreach efforts to producers and veterinarians on the 

importance of transitioning from NUES tags being considered as an acceptable 

form of official ID to RFID ID devices through direct contacts, the DoAg 

website, and other publications 

o Increase both the number of RFID Official ID devices distributed to producers 

and the number of producers to which they are distributed.

o Continue educational outreach to owners on the use of RFID devices in smaller 

scale (“backyard”) and non-commercial livestock and poultry operations as 

well as commercial producers. 

o Promote the use of eICVIs by accredited veterinarians relative to state and 

federal requirements for Animal Disease Traceability, along with the use of the 

MIMs system

o Continue data entry and issuance of PINs in EMRS2. 

o Introduce legislative proposals to revise state laws and regulations relative to 

ADT standards as deemed necessary.

o Investigate the state’s ability to discourage the use of paper ICVI’s by charging 

a fee for paper forms. 

5.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES

It is anticipated that implementation of the objectivesfor the advancement of traceability 

as described above can commence with the next work plan.