ADVANCING ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY

ROAD MAP FOR

TEXAS

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

DR. ANDY SCHWARTZ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STATE VETERINARIAN

TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION

2105 KRAMER LANE, AUSTIN, TX 78758

512-719-0704

Submitted to:

MICHAEL PRUITT, D.V.M.

ASSISTANT DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR TEXAS

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

903 SAN JACINTO BLVD., SUITE 220

AUSTIN, TX 78701

512-383-2400

Road Map 4 – January 15, 2021
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................................................................................................ 14

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................. 15

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment ........................................ 16

III. AGENCY VISION AND MISSION....................................................................................... 17

3.1 Vision statement................................................................................................................ 17

3.2 Mission statement ............................................................................................................. 17

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 18

4.1 Strategic goal(s)................................................................................................................ 18

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives)................................................................................... 18

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures.......................................................... 19

4.4 Data requirements............................................................................................................. 20

4.5 Information technology plan............................................................................................. 21

4.6 Resource requirements...................................................................................................... 21

4.7 Organizational needs......................................................................................................... 21

4.7.1 Executive support.......................................................................................... 21

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures......................................................... 22

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................. 22

4.7.4 Staffing.......................................................................................................... 23

4.7.5 Budget requirements...................................................................................... 23

4.7.6 Outreach ........................................................................................................ 24

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians................................................................... 24

4.7.6.2 Livestock marketing facilities .......................................................... 25

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole........................................................................... 25

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity.................................................... 26

4.9 Compliance and enforcement of traceability regulations.................................................. 26

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................... 27

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement.............................................................................. 27

5.2 Implementation of objectives............................................................................................ 27
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On January 9, 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final

rule establishing general regulations for improving the traceability of U.S. livestock

moving interstate. The rule became effective on March 11, 2013. Under the ADT

rule, livestock moving interstate must have official identification and accompanied by 

an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other approved movement

documentation, unless specifically exempted.

This three-year plan will outline how Texas plans to continue development and

compliance with the Federal ADT Rule. States and Tribes will be the primary

administrators of the program under the final rule. This new approach for improving

animal disease traceability will allow each State to develop their own systems for

tracing animals; designing a plan that works best for their jurisdiction, producers, and 

livestock industries. 

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) supports the concept of establishing

minimum national official identification and documentation requirements for

livestock and poultry moving interstate. This plan reflects the continued collaboration

and cooperative relationship between TAHC and USDA/APHIS/VS. The process

must be supported and funded by USDA to ensure successful compliance by the

regulated industries in an equitable and cost effective fashion, and to ensure the

successful management and enforcement of the same traceability process by the

responsible state animal health agencies.

Texas is currently working toward achievement of an animal disease traceability

system that will both accommodate animal industry concerns and satisfy basic ID

requirements, state and federal, for intra and interstate animal traceability. During FY

2013, TAHC restructured and adopted new animal disease traceability rules, published 

as a separate chapter to enhance program transparency and to incorporate elements in

the adopted federal ADT rule. Chapter 50: Animal Disease Traceability went into

effect on Monday, October 7, 2013. 

The primary focus of the Texas traceability system is on cattle, the goal being official

identification (compliant with the federal rule) of all adult cattle moving intra and

interstate. Central to Texas’ plan is efficient distribution and promotion of the use of

official identification devices, to producers and those tagging cattle. All adult breeding

cattle moving out of state or within 7 days after change of ownership will be required

to have some form of official ID. TAHC passed a rule requiring mandatory individual

official identification for intrastate movement of all dairy cattle, regardless of age. Tag

allocations are documented in a central database using either a Texas-specific locationbased identification number (LID) or national premises identification number (PIN),

based on the type of official ID and/or producer preference. In order to achieve

improvements in traceability, TAHC has placed emphasis on transitioning from a

primarily paper based system to electronic capture of regulatory and movement data.
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TAHC’s projected approach and anticipated timeline may include the following

elements:

• April 2021

- FY2021 cooperative agreement

- Continue LID/PIN assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Continued integration of legacy data

- Outreach and marketing efforts

- Continue development of a system for electronic capture of CVI data

- Promote the use of electronic data capture and electronic records

- Compliance and enforcement actions

- Conclude and report findings of UHF RFID Backtag pilot project with

Texas Cattle Feeders Association

- Projected Cost: $1,750,000

• April 2022

- FY2022 cooperative agreement

- Continue LID/PIN assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Continued integration of legacy data

- Outreach and marketing efforts

- Enhancement of an electronic data capture system of CVI data

- Implementation of transition to electronic identification

- Compliance and enforcement actions

- Projected Cost: $1,825,000

• April 2023

- FY2023 cooperative agreement

- Continue LID/PIN assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Continued integration of legacy data

- Outreach and marketing efforts

- Enhancement of an electronic data capture system of CVI data

- Implementation of advancement activities to support a standardized

electronic system for traceability data and uniform official ID

- Compliance and enforcement actions

- Projected Cost: $1,900,000
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II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was founded in 1893 with

a mission to address the fever tick problem within the state of Texas. Today, 

TAHC works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including cattle,

swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine, and exotic livestock. The TAHC also

works to keep pests from reoccurring as major livestock health hazards.

Ultimately, the TAHC mission and role is the assurance of marketability

and mobility of Texas livestock. TAHC works to sustain and continue to

make a vital contribution to a wholesome and abundant supply of meat,

eggs, and dairy products at affordable costs.

TAHC has legislative authority to make and enforce regulations to prevent, 

control, and eradicate specific infectious animal diseases which endanger

livestock. TAHC regulations are made and adopted by 13 governorappointed commissioners who represent the general public, various 

livestock industries, and professions. The commissioners serve staggered

six-year terms and meet as needed to study the regulatory needs of the

agency, review public comments on proposed regulation changes, and adopt 

new rules when necessary.

Agency headquarters are located in Austin, Texas. Six region offices are

strategically located across the state, so the staff can work more effectively

with ranchers, livestock market and slaughter plant personnel, and other

livestock industry representatives.

Texas has unique risks associated with its size and borders, and a recent

CEAH study mentions that Texas has the highest risk of Foot and Mouth

Disease introduction. A total of eight states share a border with Texas – four 

US states and four Mexican states. The Texas-Mexico shared border is

approximately 1,248 miles in length. In addition, Texas has multiple land

ports, seaports, and international airports. Texas also imports more live

animals than any other state, including approximately one million cattle per

year from Mexico and approximately two and one half million cattle from

other US states. Texas producers maintain within their inventories 

approximately fifteen percent of the national herd supplying approximately 

one third of the US supply of beef.

The Texas animal disease traceability working groups are species specific

and provide valuable guidance and oversight in the continued development 

and implementation of traceability efforts in Texas. Originally, the working

group was comprised of representatives from all various livestock industries 

and producers. The formation of species-specific working groups was put

in place to provide more effective and focused advancement within their

industries. The working groups meet on an as-needed basis.
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2.2 Where are we now?

The TAHC continues to work with the animal disease traceability cattle

working group and other industries to find workable solutions and to help

develop short & long-term plans for the future of animal identification and

disease traceability in Texas.

Texas has now successfully completed three previous ADT Road Maps.

The first Texas ADT Road Map plans established the initial development

and implementation of a basic traceability system and rules during FY2012,

FY2013, and FY2014. Building on the previous successes the Texas ADT

Road Map 2 for FY2015, FY2016, and FY2017, continued implementation

of traceability activities and began development of a system for electronic

capture of ICVI data. For FY2018, FY2019, and FY2020, the Texas ADT

Road Map 3 focused on improving the availability and retrieval of

traceability information, as well as the evaluation of visual versus electronic

traceability devices and documents.

Premises Registration Systems

TAHC has continued voluntary premises registration to support the

administration of location identifiers that adhere to the federal standards.

The TAHC ADT staff manages the various premises registration systems,

including issuing premises identification numbers (PIN)s, location

identification numbers (LID)s, and scrapie flock identification numbers.

Each number is nationally unique and recognized.

A national premises identification number (PIN) is a unique number,

permanently assigned to a physical address where agricultural animals are

located. Texas utilizes the USDA-APHIS provided Standardized Premises

Identification System (SPIS) to obtain a PIN from the federal allocator. A

PIN consists of seven alphanumeric characters, beginning with two leading

zeros. To obtain a PIN, producers may contact the TAHC ADT department.

The owner’s contact and premises information is entered, maintained, and

stored electronically in SPIS and hard copy files on-site.

Texas has a state system and process for issuing a location identification

number (LID). A LID is assigned to an owner’s contact and operation

information, which are stored in a state administered CoreOne database

(SCS-TX). Only the LID number itself is reported to the federal repository

system as a valid number. All LIDs start with the state postal abbreviation

(TX) followed by six random alphanumeric characters, which makes the

LIDs nationally unique. In most cases, a LID may be used in lieu of a PIN.

To obtain a LID, producers may contact their local TAHC region office or

ADT department.
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Additionally, TAHC ADT staff administers the Scrapie program for sheep

and goats. They collect producer and flock information over the telephone,

assign a Scrapie flock identification number, enter the information into

SCS-SCR, and maintain a scanned file copy of the registration/order form.

Administration of Official Identification Devices

The proper administration of official identification devices and reporting is

key for capturing accurate information needed to achieve successful animal

disease traceability. The most commonly used forms of official ID are

USDA approved Animal Identification Number (AIN) “840” series Radio

Frequency Identification tags (RFID) and National Uniform Eartagging

System (NUES) identification metal eartags. Brucellosis calfhood

vaccination tags, Swine PIN tags, Scrapie tags, and breed registration

tattoos/brands (uniquely identifying the animal and accompanied by the

breed registration paperwork) are also acceptable as official ID. A complete

list of acceptable official identification devices/methods is posted on the

TAHC website and updated regularly. Producers are encouraged to contact

their veterinarian or TAHC to determine which method of tagging will be

best for their operation.

AIN - RFID tags

AIN device manufacturers and managers may distribute approved AIN

devices to producers and are responsible for entering tag distribution

records into the Animal Identification Management System (AIMS).

All recipients of AIN devices must first have a LID or PIN and provide

that number to the distributor for proper reporting. TAHC ADT staff are

available to register premises, process address exceptions, and issue the

allocated PINs and/or LIDs. Additionally, TAHC Region office staff

can register premises and issue LIDs. Producers with a valid PIN or LID

are encouraged to purchase official identification from an USDA

approved tagging manufacturer or supplier. TAHC will provide or

direct producers to the complete list of approved AIN devices and tag

manufacturers’ information maintained on the USDA traceability

website.

TAHC will continue to promote and support the use of electronic

identification. By the end of FY2019, TAHC successfully transitioned

to only using electronic identification for regulatory and disease

program work by all TAHC field personnel. TAHC may use ADT

cooperative agreement funds to purchase additional AIN RFID tags and

RFID device applicators. In addition, TAHC may supply a very limited

amount of AIN RFID tags to producers with a valid PIN or LID, if

supplies are available and only on a case-by-case basis. TAHC ADT

department is responsible for overseeing the management of all official

ID devices distributed and/or applied by the agency. TAHC Region

office staff will collect all official ID allocation records from field staff,
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enter the data into CoreOne, and report official ID distributions to the

TAHC ADT department. Tag distribution records for official AIN

devices are entered and maintained in AIMS by TAHC ADT staff.

After RFID tags are applied to the animals, the RFID devices are able

to be scanned/read by standard ISO compliant readers. Electronic

readers are available for purchase by animal health agencies, markets,

operations, and producers from the manufacturers. TAHC field

personnel regularly use handheld readers, wands, and stationary readers

paired with handheld PDAs and laptops to electronically capture the

animal identification numbers and upload the data into the appropriate

systems using MIMS; while conducting testing, disease response, trace

work, and assisting with livestock identification. Funds will be used to

purchase electronic readers with accessories for TAHC field personnel

and accredited vets, as part of our technology equipment refresh and to

increase infrastructure.

Accredited Veterinarians and Cattle Producers

In order to expand the use of RFID devices, USDA announced they will

begin offering free AIN-840 low frequency RFID white and orange

OCV tags to states for accredited veterinarians and cattle producers for

use on replacement breeding cattle. The complimentary RFID tags are

to be used as an alternative to silver metal Brite tags and orange metal

Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV) tags. Though the metal clip tags

have served a valuable purpose in disease control and eradication

programs, RFID devices provide state animal health officials and the

cattle industries increased ability to accurately and quickly trace animals

exposed to or infected with potentially devastating diseases before they

can do substantial damage to the U.S. livestock and consumer markets.

Texas accredited veterinarians and cattle producers interested in

receiving a limited number of official RFID tags at no-cost may submit

their requests to the TAHC ADT department beginning in January 2021.

TAHC will submit the requests for these devices from USDA supply

and/or under USDA contracts to be distributed to field offices,

accredited vets, producers, markets, or operations that are eligible to

receive these official id devices at no-cost. These no-cost official id

devices will be shipped directly from USDA supply or contracted tag

manufacturers at USDA's expense. The shipping costs for devices

redistributed from TAHC will be paid for with cooperative funds, any

overages will be covered by state funding.

Accredited Veterinarians are required to maintain records and report all

official ID devices distributed and/or applied, using one of the following

methods: record and submit identification data on an official animal

health record (test record, vaccination chart, or ICVI) for data entry into
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CoreOne; vets who are AIN Device Managers may enter AIN

distribution records directly into AIMs; or report official ID distribution

records to the TAHC ADT department for data entry into AIMS.

NUES tags

Although TAHC and USDA are highly encouraging and supporting the

transition to electronic identification, official National Uniform

Eartagging System (NUES) identification eartags, commonly referred

to as “brite” tags are still acceptable and available as a low cost option.

Over the years, an extensive tag distribution and reporting process has

been established. Producers may obtain NUES tags from the TAHC

ADT department, region offices, Accredited Veterinarians, or Approved

Tagging Sites.

TAHC personnel in our Region offices and ADT department order

NUES tag supplies for Approved Tagging Sites, livestock markets, and

for distribution directly to producers. Texas NUES tag orders are

emailed to USDA APHIS warehouse supply staff, in increments of

1,000 tags. USDA agrees to ship NUES tags to the TAHC offices and

to other tag distribution locations as requested. ADT cooperative

agreement funds may be used to deliver or ship tags to producers from

these locations.

In accordance with USDA ADT General Standard’s document, TAHC

personnel will collect (at least) the minimum data requirements for

NUES tag distribution, including but not limited to: The producer’s

name, address, identification numbers allocated, date, and person

issuing the tags. TAHC personnel will collect tag allocation data for all

NUES tags ordered and/or distributed through this agency. NUES tag

allocation records are documented in a central database using a Texasspecific location-based identification number (LID) and TAHC uses the

CoreOne software for this purpose.

Tag Distribution Partners

The TAHC is no longer distributing NUES tags through our Tag

Distribution Partners. TAHC has begun the process of contacting Texas

NUES tag distribution partners to issue a NUES tag recall, follow up

allocations reporting accountability, and provide electronic id transition

information. All records of previous NUES tag allocations by our

distribution partners are stored electronically in our CoreOne system or

in our TAHC Tag Allocation application.

The online Tag Allocation application was created to receive NUES tag

allocation reports from tag distribution partners that do not have access

to SCS-TX, e.g. accredited veterinarians, county extension agents, and

TAHC field personnel. It is accessible with login credentials on the
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TAHC ADT webpage and is electronically searchable by TAHC ADT

and IT staff. All established ADT tag allocation required data points are

collected and compatible. Currently, there are no immediate plans for

integrating this data into our primary database.

Accredited Veterinarians

Accredited veterinarians may continue to order the metal silver and

orange (OCV) NUES tags and pliers from USDA Austin supply

department as in the past, or request a supply from the TAHC. Vets will

need to email their orders to d4supplyorders@usda.gov, including:

Name, accreditation & license numbers, shipping address, phone

number, number and type of tags requested (no minimum, average order

is a few hundred).

When a veterinarian issues NUES tags to a producer for identification

purposes only (not documented on an official animal health record),

they are required to collect the client’s name, address, county, phone

number, official identification numbers, number of tags, and the tag

allocation date in order to submit a tag allocation record. Veterinarians

are encouraged to submit tag allocation records electronically into our

secure online TAHC Tag Allocation Application on the TAHC website.

Alternatively, an Official Tag Allocation paper form may be completed

and mailed to TAHC ADT department for data entry into CoreOne.

Livestock Marketing Facilities

The TAHC recommends that producers/buyers contact their local

livestock market/auction barn to determine current requirements and

available options for livestock identification. Some animals may be

required to be officially identified prior to or after purchase to comply

with the ADT, disease program, or regulatory requirements.

Texas livestock marketing facilities can order metal NUES tags through

the TAHC Region offices or ADT department. Facilities will need to

provide: Facility name, a contact name, shipping address, phone

number, county, and number of tags requested (1,000 minimum, in

increments of 1,000). TAHC personnel will submit the tag orders to the

USDA Austin supply staff. USDA will ship the tags directly to the

facility and is responsible for maintaining their tag allocation records.

Livestock marketing facilities are not required to report tag allocation

records. As part of a separate TAHC rule, livestock marketing facilities

are required to keep certain dealer records for a minimum of five years

and to make the records available for inspection by TAHC

representatives. Dealer records are to include records of individual

animal identification numbers, plus consignor and consignee contact

information for animals sold.
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Approved Tagging Sites

All facilities such as livestock markets receiving certain classes of

livestock without official identification must be designated as an

approved tagging site by agreement. The purpose of this agreement is

to maintain integrity and control of application of official NUES eartags

at an approved tagging site, where livestock may be officially identified

on behalf of the owner or person in possession, care or control of the

animals when they are brought to the facility. Animals requiring official

identification may be moved to these sites without prior official

identification, provided the site can maintain the individual identity of

animals until they are officially identified.

Approved Tagging Sites can order NUES tags increments of 1,000 by

contacting the TAHC ADT department. NUES tags will be used to

officially identify all animals in accordance with 9 CFR 86 and 4 TAC

§50.2, including:

• Officially identify animals required to be identified before

commingling with animals from different premises, or use a

backtag or other method to accurately maintain the animal's

identity until the official ear tag is applied. The official

identification can then be correlated to the person responsible for

shipping the animal.

• Only apply official eartags to animals not already officially

identified, (except as provided in 9 CFR 86.4(c)); and

• Do not remove official identification devices unless authorized by

an animal health official.

Approved Tagging Sites must submit records of tag application within

30 days if requested by TAHC personnel. The report must include, at a

minimum: The name, physical address, city, state and zip code of the

owner or person responsible for animals tagged; the official

identification numbers of the tags applied associated with the owner or

person responsible for the animals; and the date the official

identification eartags were applied.

Approved Tagging Sites must maintain records of official identification

eartags received and applied for a minimum of five years. Also,

maintain an accurate inventory of official eartags and application

records in a secure place accessible only to tag applicator personnel.

Any lost or stolen tags must be immediately reported to Texas animal

health officials.

Swine PIN tags

Producers requesting Swine PIN tags must first have a premises ID

number (PIN), as the PIN is imprinted on the tags. TAHC ADT staff
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will register the premises over the phone and provide the allocated PIN

number. The Swine PIN tags are available for purchase from an USDA

approved tagging manufacturer or supplier. TAHC will provide or

direct producers to the list of official PIN tags for slaughter swine and

their approved tag manufacturers’ information maintained on the USDA

traceability website.

TAHC will use ADT cooperative agreement funds to purchase Swine

PIN tags and applicators for animal disease regulatory work. These tags

will be registered to and imprinted with the PIN for the TAHC central

office. These tags are only distributed to TAHC region offices to be

used by TAHC field staff when conducting swine testing. The initial

tag distributions from the central office to the region offices are entered

and maintained in CoreOne. When applied to the animal, the tag

allocations are reported on the swine test charts and submitted to the

TAHC region office for data entry.

Scrapie tags

USDA-APHIS announced new nationwide identification and

recordkeeping requirements for sheep and goats on March 25, 2019 as

part of the National Scrapie Eradication Program. USDA-APHIS

believes the final rule will result in a more effective disease eradication

program. The rule provides a more flexible approach to disease

investigations and affected flock management, and more consistent

animal identification and recordkeeping requirements between sheep

and goats. Under this rule, all sheep and goats must have official

identification (I.D.) when moving off their premises of origin, unless

specifically exempt.

Acceptable forms of official identification include plastic or metal

Scrapie flock ID tags, Scrapie 840 RFID ear tags, and plastic or metal

serial tags. Registered tattoos and 840 electronic implants are accepted

as official ID with the exception of sheep and goats that are in slaughter

channels or moving through a livestock market or buying station.

The national Scrapie Program hotline forwards the phone calls of Texas

breeders, dealers, and livestock markets to the TAHC ADT department.

TAHC ADT staff will register the flocks/operations for a Scrapie flock

identification number or verify their existing Scrapie flock ID number.

TAHC will provide the caller with the information on how to purchase

the official ID devices. For producers, dealers, and markets eligible to

receive free tags, TAHC will place the order into AIMS. Scrapie flock

and serial tags ordered through AIMS will be shipped directly to the

recipient and the tag allocation entered into AIMS by the tagging

manufacturers.
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TAHC will order Scrapie serial tags and applicators for the TAHC ADT

department and region offices. TAHC may supply a very limited

amount of these Scrapie serial tags to producers with a valid Scrapie

flock ID number, if supplies are available and on a case-by-case basis.

The most common reason for TAHC to issue Scrapie serial tags is for

sheep or goats going to a show or out of state within the two weeks, in

other words, needed sooner than the time it takes for flock ID tags to be

ordered, produced, and shipped. TAHC ADT staff will enter these tag

allocations into AIMS.

Animal Health and Movement Records

TAHC maintains various other traceability data sources by continuing to

collect and store identification data required for testing, movement, change

of ownership, and other applicable animal health disease programs. These

include, but are not limited to data collected and/or stored from interstate

and intrastate certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs), bovine

brucellosis and tuberculosis test charts, brucellosis vaccination records,

scrapie tag distribution, and interstate permits.

As outlined in the previous Road Maps, TAHC has continued to focus on

the electronic data capture, the promotion and transition from paper to

electronic documentation. During FY2014, TAHC IT Development Team

completed the development of a TAHC eCVI and put a link to a new

application on the TAHC website. The application enables Texas

veterinarians to purchase eCVIs online. The Health Certificate webpage on

the agency’s website, displays all the ICVI purchasing options (electronic

and paper). The TAHC eCVI online application continues to work as

expected and veterinarians are successfully utilizing the tool. TAHC staff

is continuing to monitor all CVIs and eCVIs for data quality and

compliance. Starting in FY2016, TAHC contracted with Trace First to

utilize StateVet.com for the data entry and upload of ICVI data into SCS,

for cattle with official identification moving interstate. Additionally at the

end of the FY2016 cooperative year, TAHC Program Records and ADT

staff started using document management software, Square 9, to begin

scanning all paper and electronic interstate CVIs, for all species with or

without official identification, into an electronically searchable system. The

emphasis placed on transitioning from a primarily paper based system to

electronic capture of CVI data has resulted in significant improvements in

traceability and completion of trace performance exercises.

During FY2019 and FY2020, TAHC worked with VS and Palantir staff to

implement use of DIS-AHER, including establishing access, user training

for staff, identification of data sources, verifying compatibility, initiating

electronic information sharing of summary data, and pilot testing DIS for

FY2020 ADT Cooperative Agreement work plans and quarterly reporting.
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ADT data collected in Texas is entered and stored in a mixture of state and

USDA maintained standardized animal health systems. Federal systems

utilized: AHER for data searches, SCR for Scrapie Flock IDs, EMRS2 for

NPTs and Response records, MIMS for electronic data captured in field,

SPIS for Premises IDs, AIMS for AIN and Scrapie official ID distributions,

and SCS-TX including StateVet for LIDs, official ID distribution,

regulatory program and movement records. These systems are already

connected to AHER and electronically accessible to TAHC and USDA

animal health officials. State systems utilized: TAHC Tag Application for

NUES tag field distributions and Square9 for electronic document storage.

During FY2021, TAHC plans to implement our state procured private

CoreOne system for Texas, TexCore. TAHC plans to transition from

CoreOne-SCS to CoreOne-TexCore as our primary system, including

StateVet, for all LIDs, official ID distributions, animal disease programs

and movement records. CoreOne is aligned with established data and

communication interfaces to ensure continued compatibility. TAHC will

continue to share the summary data to AHER through the standard

connection between the AHER system and TexCore. Additionally, TAHC

is available during normal business hours for sharing of data (not included

in AHER) with other state & federal Animal Health Officials, law

enforcement, and open records requests.

TAHC is dedicated to data security and the protection of Texas producers’

personal information. Therefore, TAHC staff are required to complete

information systems and data security training annually.

TAHC will continue to monitor and report on the administration of official

identification devices, animal health and movement records in our ADT

cooperative agreements, quarterly and final accomplishment reports.

The process must be supported and funded by USDA to ensure successful

compliance by the regulated industries in an equitable and cost effective

fashion, and to ensure the successful management and enforcement of the

same traceability process by the responsible state animal health agencies.

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

The Texas Animal Health Commission has a long history of working

productively with the animal agriculture industries in Texas, and in finding

practical solutions and applying pragmatic regulations. As such, the major

strength of the TAHC is its existing working relationship with those

industries and people who will be affected by traceability regulations.

Secondly, the TAHC has a well-trained work force with capable field

inspectors, a committed ADT team, and in-house database development IT

management personnel. These people are actively working through the best
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traceability solution for Texas and are equipped to come up with a workable

solution in partnership with animal agriculture and other interested partners.

Regarding challenges, the TAHC faces continuing change in IT solutions in

order to gain the ability to electronically capture and upload searchable

traceability data. This challenge includes all records of interstate

movement, test charts, as well as data migration from existing federal ID

databases and integration of extensive state-level data. Another challenge

exists in the need to educate the producers and industries of Texas regarding

the new disease traceability approach and ID requirements. Due to Texas’

large variety of livestock producers and management practices, a major

obstacle is to get everyone on the same page and agree to one system.

Lastly, the TAHC is experiencing a number of varied animal health issues

and recent natural disasters, which has redirected resources and caused

personnel to delay or halt regular job duties (including ADT work) to assist

with the responses.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Texas has a history of significant animal health issues, whether disease or

natural disaster related. Until August 2011, the TAHC maintained

extensive first point testing ear tag records, and drew on these records

routinely for disease tracing purposes, and for linkage of cattle to owners in

natural disasters or for law enforcement purposes. There is no doubt that

Texas and its partners in animal agriculture commerce need an efficient and

reliable animal traceability system. Without a traceability system, disease

tracing and natural disaster recovery would become much more difficult and

in many cases unreliable or impossible. Assurance of and linkage of animal

ID to cases involving animal ownership change and movement are made

possible by standardized identification and recordation methods.

There are many opportunities to improve and advance our traceability

systems in Texas. Emerging new technologies which allow for a variety of

easier, faster, and more effective ways to manage electronically identified

animals and animal health records throughout all sectors of the livestock

industry. Additionally, we have opportunities to increase the acceptance

and use of electronic identification devices, whether it is the availability of

no-cost low frequency tags to vets, the use of ultra-high frequency devices

at markets, or simply beginning to use electronic official ID tags are all the

Cattle Fever Tick dipping vats. TAHC is encouraged to hear that some of

the most reluctant members of the industry are showing increased interest

in the benefits of traceability.

The TAHC is the state-level organization for foreign animal disease

response, a responsibility that is not directly shared with any other state
16

agency or organization. The Governor added TAHC to the State

Emergency Management Council in 2001, to the Homeland Security

Council in 2005, and the Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources (CI/KR)

Committee in 2006. Because of the agency’s expertise in animal health, the

chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management designated TAHC

as the state’s lead agency for all animal issues in emergencies. With the

largest animal agriculture industries in the nation, Texas needs disease

traceability to avoid potentially catastrophic animal and economic loss.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

• Human Resources

FY2020, TAHC employed three (5) full-time employees in the TAHC

ADT department: (1) ADT Coordinator, (1) ADT Technical Inspector,

and (3) Customer Service Representatives. Benefits will be paid through

the cooperative funding. The ADT coordinator will oversee and

coordinate all ADT program activities and projects, in the office and in

the field. The ADT coordinator is the Signatory Official for the ADT

cooperative agreement and quarterly reports. The coordinator will also

promote traceability across the state at meetings and conferences. The

ADT Technical Inspector will work with field staff and accredited vets

for ADT activities to include herd testing, research and pilot project

management, disease outbreak and trace work, and training on the use

of ADT equipment such as wands, PDAs, RFID tags, etc. The customer

service reps will register premises, answer incoming phone calls,

answer questions about the ADT program, manage tag allocations,

perform official ID traces, conduct the daily business within the office,

assist in trainings, equipment demonstrations, and support in the field.

• Technology and Equipment

The Information Technology department manages TAHC’s resources

for connectivity between the offices and the field, as well as the ability

to access USDA animal disease traceability and animal health

information databases. TAHC maintains all previously purchased –

Hardware: computers (desktops, laptops, & handhelds), printers,

scanners, RFID wand readers, cell phones, and wireless internet access;

Software: Premises location mapping software, such as ArcGIS and

Google Earth software. The IT Department also maintains a robust

database development and organization capability, and is able to advise

on best practices regarding data handling for the TAHC.

• Animal Health Information Resources

TAHC Program Records staff receive and input data into databases and

maintain records necessary to document specific state and federal

disease eradication program activities; process documents affecting

herd or flock status and documents related to quarantines or releases;

perform data entry; and, provide permit support. Program Records
17

responsibilities include, but are not limited to developing and

maintaining data and records systems required for disease program

standards; performing data entry so that data may be analyzed to

monitor the accuracy and efficiency of the agency’s disease

management and eradication activities including the Cattle Fever Tick

Eradication Program; managing records for the Waste Food Feeder

Registration, and Feral Swine Holding program; supporting records

management functions for various Herd Status programs that include

the Accredited Bovine Tuberculosis Free Herd, Bovine Brucellosis

Certified Free Herd, Validated Swine Brucellosis Free Herd, Qualified

Pseudorabies Negative Swine Herd programs, CWD Herd Status Plans

for Cervidae and Trichomoniasis Free Herd status for cattle; issuing and

monitoring Texas entry permit programs for domestic and exotic

animals and fowl entering Texas from other states; as well as, entering

and/or uploading traceability data such as animal identifications, owner

information, health certificates, vaccination records and test charts into

CoreOne. TAHC Program Records staff calculate the monthly number

of animals and ICVIs for interstate movement, and the number of paper

vs electronic ICVIs for ADT quarterly reporting. They also send

electronic and/or paper copies of ICVIs to the other receiving states

within 7 days, as per ADT requirements.

III. AGENCY VISION AND MISSION

3.1 Vision Statement

Through the cooperative efforts of the Texas Animal Health Commission,

animal producers, and allied industry groups, the animal population of

Texas is healthy and secure.

3.2 Mission Statement

The mission of the Texas Animal Health Commission is:

• to protect the animal industry from, and/or mitigate the effects of

domestic, foreign and emerging diseases;

• to increase the marketability of Texas livestock commodities at the

state, national, and international level;

• to promote and ensure animal health and productivity;

• to protect human health from animal diseases and conditions that are

transmissible to people; and

• to prepare for and respond to emergency situations involving animals

by conducting agency business in a responsive, cooperative, and transparent

manner.
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IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goals 

USDA’s Overarching Goals established in 2018: 

1. Advance the 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. Use 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; and

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.

TAHC’s ADT Strategic Goals

To develop and implement a statewide infrastructure for advancing animal

disease traceability in Texas that complies with the federal minimum

standards established by United States Department of Agriculture. 

To establish traceability systems for species and industries that do not or no 

longer have compliant systems in place, for example beef cattle and

cervidae.

4.2 Programmatic goals (Objectives)

TAHC will work cooperatively with USDA APHIS, to the degree possible, 

on activities that will support compliance with the aligned federal

regulations defined in 9 CFR Part 86 and state regulations 4 TAC Chapter

50. Cooperation and high compliance with traceability regulations are

critical to achieve optimum tracing capabilities.

TAHC will follow protocols and achieve assigned quotas, in accordance

with USDA provided Guidelines for Administering Traceability

Performance Measures document, for the administration and completion of 

National Priority Traces (NPTs) to maintain eligibility for reimbursements

of expenditures. Moreover, TAHC’s goal is to improve our traceability

capability to earn TPM ratings for % successfully completed and elapsed

time of “Excellent”.

The proper administration of official identification devices and documents

used to help determine interstate movements, in particular Interstate

Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (ICVIs), is key for capturing accurate

information needed to achieve successful animal disease traceability.

TAHC’s goal is to continue to place a priority on activities that will make

electronic information more readily available, including activities to
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support official identification, recordkeeping pertaining to the distribution

of official ear tags, promotion of radio frequency identification and

electronic interstate movement documentation.

Objectives, to include, but not limited to:

 Increase number of registered premises

 Increase number of animal with official ID

 Increase use of electronic IDs

 Increase use of electronic CVIs

Sharing information quickly and effectively will help USDA APHIS and

state animal health agencies respond to animal disease events and make

ADT successful. Information systems must be compatible. Therefore,

TAHC will continue to administer the required data elements in accordance

with data standards defined in the ADT Technical Specification document.

While USDA will not fund information system development, data resulting

from funded tracing activities will be compatible so it can be shared with

other Animal Health Officials.

4.3 Animal Disease Traceability Performance Measures

ADT, a performance based program, is designed to measure outcomes that

will document successful advancement of animal disease traceability.

Traceability performance measures have been established to measure and

document progress. TAHC, in cooperation with the USDA VS staff, will

annually administer National Priority Traces (NPTs) that reflect tracing

capabilities based on the defined tracing activities. Compilation of the

results across all Recipients will enable APHIS to determine current

traceability values for the TPMs to document progress made from the

national baseline values and subsequent “comparison years” that were

established in prior cooperative agreement periods. The trace activity

response times will be reported based on the following four preliminary

performance standard measures:

1) Time to report to the State/Tribe of official tagging/identifying of an

animal in question that has moved interstate.

2) Time for the State/Tribe of first officially tagging/identifying an

animal in question that has moved interstate to provide a record of

the official tag distribution.

3) Time to report to the State/Tribe from which an animal in question

has moved interstate.

4) Time for the State/Tribe from which an animal in question has moved

interstate to provide the location and contact information from

which the animal was moved interstate.

TAHC ADT personnel is continuing to work closely with USDA VS staff

to successfully administer traces for the National Priority Traces (NPTs)

and use Emergency Management Response System-2 (EMRS2) for tracking

and reporting trace activities.
20

These performance trace activities measure the time it takes to answer four

specific questions regarding the allocation of official identification and/or

interstate movement. The start time is when the State is notified of the

official identification number, and the end time is when the State finds the

information to answer the question posed by the activity. Activities 2, 3, &

4 are the most important to complete. Traces for Activity 1 will be limited

to Animal Identification Number (AIN) tags as the official animal number.

Completing trace exercises for cattle is the priority. Trace activities for other

species may be reported, but they do not count toward the quota for NPTs.

USDA VS personnel will select the appropriate official identification

number(s) to trace and initiate the NPT in EMRS2. The system will

automatically send an email notice of NPT creation to the TAHC ADT

group email address. TAHC currently has three ADT staff members with

eAuthentication Level 2 access assigned to complete the NPTs in the

EMRS2 utility. TAHC ADT personnel work together to coordinate the

assignment and completion of the NPT activity. TAHC ADT staff will

conduct extensive searches in traceability electronic databases; such as

AHER, SCS, AIMS, etc. If no clear results are found, they will conduct

searches of paper systems and make phone calls to parties involved, if

necessary. When the trace is complete, the ADT staff will access EMRS2

to document all steps taken in the Key Actions, enter the trace information

found, upload a copy of the record(s), and close out the NPT.

TAHC’s goal is to maintain our “Excellent” trace performance measure

ratings for % successfully completed and elapsed time. TAHC progress

towards achieving our assigned NPT quota, monitoring elapsed time, and

percentage of completion status will be included in the quarterly ADT

accomplishment reports.

4.4 Data requirements

• A PIN or LID will be assigned to all Texas producers when they provide

TAHC staff with current and accurate herd owner contact information,

including but not limited to: owner’s name, mailing address, and phone

number.

• Texas will accept all forms of official ID as outlined by USDA standards.

Texas will not accept brands or tattoos as official ID, unless the animal is

accompanied with official breed registration documentation.

• TAHC supports the use of official ID tags to identify all adult cattle prior

to interstate movement to comply with the federal rule or to be tagged

within 7 days for intrastate movement.

• Tags and applicators may be distributed by approved device

manufacturers, approved livestock facilities, approved tagging sites,

accredited veterinarians, TAHC personnel, or shipped directly to the

producers, depending on available funds.
21

• TAHC plans to fully transition from using our own online tag allocation

reporting application to utilizing Trace First’s CoreOne system as our

primary tag distribution record keeping system for NUES tags.

• TAHC will continue to use USDA’s AIMS system for AIN distribution

record keeping.

• Data will be shared with AHER, as well as other states and tribes on an

as-needed basis for animal disease response and control. This would be a

continuation of TAHC practice of epidemiologic management of disease

trace-ins and trace-outs.

4.5 Information technology plan

• Maintain and continue integration of legacy data into a CoreOne database.

• Enhancement/Improvements of Texas’ electronic certificates of

veterinary inspection to allow for reporting and tracing of ADT data.

• Funding to host an additional database instance in a well-supported data

center that offers server failover capability and routine backups

• Maintenance funding for datacenter hosting, software licensing, and

salaries for up to two dedicated IT specialists.

• Maintenance, upgrade, and replacement of automated data capture

equipment, such as computers and hand held devices.

• Continue to pursue improvements of scanning technology to make paper

CVIs searchable for tracing.

4.6 Resource requirements

Additional resources needed may include the following:

• Official identification devices

• Tagging pliers

• Additional personnel

• Funding for shipping tags to producers and accredited vets

• IT operations costs

• IT hardware

• Additional space for tag and file storage

4.7 Organizational needs

The TAHC has an organizational structure in place that will support animal

disease traceability and all aspects of implementation.

4.7.1 Executive support

The TAHC is an animal health agency administered by licensed

veterinarians. As animal health professionals who handle the

realities of animal disease on a daily basis, the TAHCs management

advocates implementation of a practicable animal disease

traceability program.
22

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

The Texas animal disease traceability working groups are species

specific and provide valuable guidance and oversight in the

continued development and implementation of traceability efforts in

Texas. Originally, the working group was comprised of

representatives from all various livestock industries and producers.

The formation of species-specific working groups was put in place

to provide more effective and focused advancement within their

industries. The working groups meet on an as-needed basis.

The compatibility with other States, Tribes, Territories, and USDA

is monitored by the use of policy standards, federal minimum

standards, common data collection practices, standardized reporting

and program evaluation based off performance measures.

The TAHC Animal Disease Traceability department is responsible

for coordination and implementation of the animal disease

traceability plan, including coordination of other agency office and

field staff. Additional responsibilities and job duties may be

assigned by the Executive Director.

4.7.3 Policy

The animal disease traceability program in Texas is governed by the

existing mandate in the Texas Agriculture Code, Sec. 161.056. This

policy authorizes the TAHC to establish and enforce, by

Commission rule, an animal identification program consistent with

the Federal program. The rules proposed and adopted by the

Commission are legal requirements promulgated by the

Commission to carry out their mission to protect animal health in

Texas. The rules of the Commission are found in Title 4, Texas

Administrative Code, Chapters 31 through 60.

During FY 2013, TAHC adopted new animal disease traceability

rules, published as a separate chapter to enhance program

transparency and to incorporate elements in the adopted federal

ADT rule. Chapter 50: Animal Disease Traceability went into effect

on Monday, October 7, 2013. The rule specifically establishes the

requirements for approved tagging sites. All facilities such as

livestock markets receiving certain classes of livestock without

official identification must be designated as an approved tagging site

or be affiliated with one.

The Commission adopted a new section in Chapter 50: Animal

Disease Traceability, Cattle Identification and became effective on

Tuesday, February 4, 2014. This amendment establishes

identification requirements for adult cattle being sold within the
23

state of Texas. The rule states that all adult breeding cattle, except

cattle going directly to slaughter, shall be permanently identified

within seven days of change of ownership. Untagged adult cattle

have seven days after purchase to be delivered to a slaughter facility,

resold through a livestock market, or have acceptable permanent

official identification applied. Slaughter type cattle that will be put

on feed prior to slaughter shall also be permanently identified within

seven days of purchase.

Additionally, if any changes are made to the state animal disease

traceability rules, they will be structured for seamless compliance

with the federal ADT rule.

4.7.4 Staffing

State personnel are needed to perform essential job duties required

to carry out program objectives. The animal disease traceability

department is solely responsible for administering/overseeing the

program. 

Personnel needed to implement program are (at minimum):

• Program Coordinator 

• Program field support specialist – 1 

• Office administrative support staff – 9 

• Part-time support from staff veterinarians, field inspectors, 

region admins, and IT support specialists

4.7.5 Projected Budget requirements 

The projected total program costs:

FY2021 FY2022 FY2023

Personnel 1,053,500 1,095,700 1,139,500

Benefits 352,000 356,300 370,500

Travel 100,000 105,000 108,000

Equipment - - -

Supplies 223,000 245,000 258,000

Contractual 6,500 7,000 7,000

Postage/Freig

ht

15,000 16,000 17,000

Indirect Costs - - -

Total $

1,750,0

00

$

1,825,0

00

$

1,900,0

00

The agency state budget cannot solely financially support the 
24

program. Animal disease traceability is primarily funded by federal

cooperative agreements. The continued reduction and/or lack of
25

increase in cooperative agreement awarded funding will hinder the

potential advancement of animal disease traceability.

4.7.6 Outreach

TAHC will continue to promote and educate Texas livestock

industry and stakeholders about advancing animal disease

traceability. Outreach efforts are made on a daily basis by our field,

office, and communications staff. TAHC ADT Staff is available by

phone, email, and in person to answer questions TAHC maintains a

detailed ADT webpage that is reviewed and updated quarterly, vital

updates are made as needed. TAHC PIO issues news releases,

electronic newsletters, handouts, fact sheets, brochures, and

regularly posts to social media. TAHC Field staff regularly provide

in-person contact at livestock markets, special sales, rodeos,

exhibitions, special events, make ADT presentations and work

information booths at industry meetings and conferences.

Successful implementation of any plan to advance animal disease

traceability cannot be achieved without outreach to constituents

primarily affected by the plan.

4.7.6.1. Accredited veterinarians

Accredited veterinarians are instrumental to the

traceability framework focusing on the identification

and interstate movement of livestock, as well as

transitioning to electronic data capture and

submission of electronic animal health records.

• The plan to inform accredited veterinarians of the

ADT program, requirements, plans for

implementation and advancement will utilize

various forms of media, such as: press releases,

electronic newsletters, handouts, fact sheets,

brochures, social media, agency website, agency

email, mass mail outs, and attend regional

conventions and meetings.

• Beginning in FY 2019, TAHC has begun

conducting extensive outreach and education

efforts to accredited veterinarians to provide

information on how to transition to electronic

official identification, electronic data capture

equipment, and reporting requirements including

how to become an AIN device manager.

• TAHC plans to enhance and promote the use of

electronic ICVIs, vaccination and test records by

educating veterinarians on the ease of use and

benefits.
26

• A continuing education effort will be put in place

to ensure all parties responsible for collecting and

entering data are sufficiently trained and

supported. TAHC’s data accuracy monitoring

program will continue to provide accountability

and data quality assurance.

• The accredited veterinarian will continue to

provide and have official identification devices

available for producers.

4.7.6.2. Livestock marketing facilities

Livestock marketing facilities continue to be a vital

collection point for traceability information.

• In addition to in-person agency representative(s),

regular contact and communication, continuing

education efforts are being planned to address the

concerns of the livestock markets using various

forms of media, such as: press releases,

electronic newsletters, handouts, fact sheets,

brochures, social media, agency website, agency

email, mass mail outs, and attend regional

conventions and meetings.

• TAHC and UHF pilot project partners plan to

provide a report the finding from the project to

the livestock market industry, in order to promote

the use and benefits of electronic identification.

4.7.6.3. Industry as a whole

Implementation of any plan to advance animal

disease traceability impacts a variety of constituents,

likely none more so than industry itself.

• The industry will be informed of the ADT

program and advancement plan by utilizing

various forms of media, such as: press release,

electronic newsletter, handouts, fact sheets,

brochures, social media, agency website, agency

email, mass mail out and attend regional

conventions and meetings.

• TAHC plans to promote the ease of use, benefits,

and increase acceptance of electronic official

identification devices and electronic ICVIs.

• Industry representatives serving on the advisory

committee will continue to educate and share

plan implementation to their constituents.
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4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

The traceability framework is focused on interstate movement and the

accompanying ICVI or similar documentation for that movement. 

• ICVIs will be monitored for data quality and compliance.

• The number of animals and the number of shipments that move 

interstate will be monitored and verified by a monthly inspection of all

paper and electronic ICVIs. The number of documents and animals are

calculated at the end of each month by program records and IT staff.

• The number of paper ICVIs, electronic ICVIs, and category II

accredited veterinarians using electronic ICVIs are calculated at the

end of each month by TAHC staff.

• The volume of official identification devices issued by the State is

complied by TAHC ADT staff and will be reported in cooperative

quarterly reports. 

4.9 Compliance and enforcement of traceability regulations 

TAHC office staff will monitor premises registrations, tag distributions, tag

allocation records, disease program documents, movement records, and

submitted complaints for potential compliance issues. TAHC field staff will

monitor operations, animals, animal movements, documents, and submitted

complaints for potential compliance issues. All compliance issues are

reported to TAHC Legal Dept to investigate any alleged violations and

follow up enforcement actions. Possible enforcement actions include 

consultations, warning letters, and filing legal action with county courts.

TAHC will tally and report the number of investigations and enforcement

actions to our AVIC and in the quarterly ADT Enforcement Action reports.

Additionally, when TAHC receives returned NUES tags from a distribution

partner, we will conduct a comparison of all tags issued, reported, and

returned to ensure accountability for all tags. Also, when an accredited vet

places multiple orders for RFID tags, TAHC will verify that the tag

allocation records for previous orders are being reported properly, prior to

placing additional orders. 
28

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

1) Improvement and increase of electronic data capture and retrieval of

traceability information

2) Outreach and marketing efforts

3) LID and PIN Assignments

4) Tag Distributions

5) Data collection and reporting data into appropriate systems

6) Data entry of backlogged vaccination and testing records

7) Monitor ICVI data quality and compliance

8) Pilot projects with industry for testing new technology

5.2 Implementation of objectives and planned activities

• Year 1

- Continue LID, PIN, and Flock ID assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Input data into appropriate systems

- Integrate surveillance and traceability legacy data

- Data entry of backlogged vaccination and testing records

- Enhance IT infrastructure

- Conduct National Priority Trace activities

- Monitor ICVI data quality and compliance

- Continue outreach and marketing efforts

- Continue improvements of a system for electronic capture ADT data

- Promote the use of electronic data capture and electronic records

- Compliance and enforcement actions

- Conclude and report findings of UHF RFID Backtag pilot project with

Texas Cattle Feeders Association and project partners

• Year 2

- Continue LID, PIN, and Flock ID assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Provide approved manufacturers’ information for purchasing of

official identifications devices to producers and industry

- Implementation of transition to electronic id

- Continue outreach and education efforts

- Promote the use of electronic data capture and electronic records

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Input data into appropriate systems

- Integrate surveillance and traceability legacy data

- Data entry of backlogged vaccination and testing records

- Enhance IT infrastructure

- Improve retrieval of available traceability information
29

- Conduct National Priority Trace activities

- Monitor ICVIs for data quality and compliance

- Enhancement of an electronic data capture system of CVI data

- Compliance and enforcement actions

• Year 3

- Continue Flock ID, LID and PIN assignments

- Continue tag distribution process

- Continue to provide approved manufacturers’ information for

purchasing of official identifications devices to producers and

industry

- Continue implementing the transition to electronic id

- Continue outreach and education efforts

- Continue data collection and reporting

- Input data into appropriate systems

- Integrate surveillance and traceability legacy data

- Enhance IT infrastructure

- Improve retrieval of available traceability information

- Conduct National Priority Trace activities

- Monitor ICVI data quality and compliance

- Compliance and enforcement actions

- Enhancement of an electronic data capture system of CVI data

- Implementation of advancement activities to support a standardized

electronic system for traceability data and uniform official ID