Advancing Animal Disease Traceability

(ADT) Road Map for

Pennsylvania

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

DR. ALEX HAMBERG

DIRECTOR

PENNSYLVANIA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE BUREAU OF ANIMAL HEALTH

2301 NORTH CAMERON ST. HARRISBURG PA 17110

717-783-2200

Submitted to:

DR. MICHAEL A. KORNREICH

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR PENNSYLVANIA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2300 VARTAN WAY HARRISBURG PA 17110

717-540-2763

Date: January 26, 2024
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _________________________________________________________________ 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION ______________________________________________________ 4

2.1 Who are we?_____________________________________________________________________ 4

2.2 Where are we now? _______________________________________________________________ 5

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses _________________________________________________________ 8

2.4 Opportunities and Threats __________________________________________________________ 8

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment. ____________________________ 8

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ______________________________ 9

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS _________________________________________________________ 10

4.1 Strategic goal(s) _________________________________________________________________ 10

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives) ____________________________________________________ 11

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs) ____________________________________________ 11

4.4 Data requirements _______________________________________________________________ 12

4.5 Information technology plan _______________________________________________________ 12

4.6 Resource requirements____________________________________________________________ 13

4.7 Organizational needs _____________________________________________________________ 14

4.7.1 Executive support _____________________________________________________________ 14

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures ____________________________________________ 14

4.7.3 Policy _______________________________________________________________________ 14

4.7.4 Staffing______________________________________________________________________ 14

4.7.5 Budget requirements___________________________________________________________ 15

4.7.6 Outreach_____________________________________________________________________ 15

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity _________________________________ 17

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY ____________________________________________________________ 17

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement _______________________________________________ 17

5.2 Implementation of objectives ______________________________________________________ 18
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic 

Service’s (BAHDS) Advancing Animal Disease Traceability Road Map for Pennsylvania addresses 

Pennsylvania’s plan for the time period of 2024 – 2027 for enhancing the current animal disease 

traceability (ADT) system for livestock within the state. This ADT road map will serve as a

continuation and revision of The Advancing Animal Disease Traceability Road Map for 2021 –

2024 as ADT efforts continue to evolve and change with both the changes in federal guidance as 

well as changes in technology.

Animal Disease Traceability is a vital tool for both state and federal animal health officials in 

their efforts to effectively track, identify, eradicate and control dangerous transmissible animal 

diseases. This is essential in the management and prevention of disease outbreak scenarios. In 

order to continue forward progress towards an acceptably accurate, timely and effective system 

for animal disease traceability the following elements need to be adopted:

-Increased rate of application and distribution of official, unique and accurately 

databased identification devices (including both radio frequency identification (RFID) 

devices and National Uniform Ear-tagging System (NUES) tags to livestock populations 

statewide.

-Increased data capture of animal movement records.

-A comprehensive database of premises where livestock is maintained, with 

corresponding geographic coordinates (lat/long).

-The ability to rapidly search electronic databases for records of official identification 

devices; where they have been distributed and/or applied, where they were sited from 

animal disease testing, disease program, or animal movement documents.

-Accountability, statewide, for producers, official tagging sites, dealer/haulers and 

veterinarians who are receiving these tags, in order to maintain an accurate electronic 

database system.

-Addition of electronic systems (panel readers) in livestock auctions/markets and 

processing facilities in order to further track animal movement and gain the ability to 

retire unique identification numbers from tags that are no longer in use.

Traditional systems employing conventional labor-intensive record keeping practices have 

and continue to serve animal disease control and eradications. However, the ever-changing 

climate of rapid and high volume intrastate, interstate, and international livestock movement has 

pressured the past systems to change. With larger animal production units, high-speed travel and 

long-distance travel, the potential risk of an animal borne health crisis effecting animal health as 

well as the publics’ health continuesto increase. Therefore, Pennsylvania must continue to adopt 

current technology at all levels of ADT in order to address potential disease risks in present day 

animal movement, production, and management systems.

Due the large impact Agriculture has within the state of Pennsylvania, it is vital that a highly 

functional animal disease tracing capability exists in order to avoid significant economic loss to 

farmers, as well as the potential to impact human health.
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II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services 

(BAHDS) is responsible for the control and eradication of disease in livestock and poultry 

statewide. In the Bureau’s mission to ensure and protect both animal and human health, we 

are closely aligned with the Pennsylvania Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission (AHDC) 

whose member reach from practicing veterinarians and regulatory health officials, to livestock 

producers. BAHDS activities, with the inclusion of ADT, are reported to the AHDC bimonthly, 

during commission meetings.

In order to effectively carry out its animal health mission, BAHDS has closely aligned itself with 

the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), which includes two university 

laboratories, and a third veterinary laboratory facility in Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania livestock producers are the primary internal constituents of the Pennsylvania 

Animal Disease Traceability Plan. Closely associated are the USDA accredited veterinarians who 

serve these constituents and assist animal health protection through their activities in disease 

programs on-farm and in animal commerce.

External constituents include the two dairy herd improvement associations (DHIAs), licensed 

livestock dealers and haulers, the 30+ USDA-approved livestock markets and official approved 

tagging sites, all operating within Pennsylvania. Additionally, all out-of-state individuals enter 

the state for purposes of animal commerce, exhibition, and recreation are external 

constituents. In this road map, the term ‘statewide’ applies to all livestock and poultry 

premises, commerce, exhibitions and other venues within the borders of the Commonwealth of 

Pennsylvania.

In our commitment to the health and protection of Pennsylvania’s livestock and poultry 

industries, BAHDS performs animal disease traceability outreach to all related organizations 

comprising the animal health stakeholder community. Some of these organizations include:

... The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association

... PennAg Industries

... Lancaster Dairy Herd Improvement Association

... Dairy One, Inc.

... Pennsylvania Milk Producers Association

... Pennsylvania Livestock Association

... Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association

... Pennsylvania Beef Council

... Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
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... Pennsylvania Farmers’ Union

... Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

... Livestock Marketing Association

2.2 Where are we now?

Objectives & Accomplishments from 2021-2024

1. A high application rate of accurately databased animal identification devices, 

including both RFID tags and NUES tags to livestock populations statewide.

NUES tags and RFID tags continued to be distributed as the main form of identification 

to Pennsylvania livestock producers, approved official tagging sites, accredited level 

II veterinarians and the two Dairy Herd Improvement Associations who disseminated 

tags across the state upon request. Livestock markets and dealers, who are identified 

as approved official tagging sites, receive tags directly from the PDA’s regional staff.

Beginning in 2020, 200,653 free RFID tags became available for application and 

distribution to Pennsylvania producers, veterinarians and Dairy Herd Improvement 

Associations at no cost by USDA, APHIS-VS for use in replacement breeding cattle. 

PDA, BAHDS created an online order form for the use of these entities to order tags. 

Upon its completion in early September of 2020, distribution of these tags began. 

Additionally, one of our two Dairy Herd Improvement Associations have joined in the 

transition to RFID tags through the use of these tags. All parties ordering tags online 

must either have or apply for a premises identification number for their farm or 

veterinary practice.

The distribution and application of official identification devices by the 

aforementioned entities is reported to BAHDS where data is maintained in the 

USAHERDS database. Tag distribution and application agreements are in place to 

require that the submitter send in their tag application/distribution records. These 

agreements can be sent in electronically, which increases our speed of data entry. 

When tags are distributed, reminders regarding the responsibilities regarding 

mandatory record keeping that comes with the reception of these tags. Failure to 

report application/distribution of official identification that was provided results in 

the suspension or elimination of tag distribution in its entirety. This ensures the party 

receiving tags is held accountable for the tags they have distributed and/or applied.
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2. A comprehensive electronic database of premises where livestock is maintained, 

with corresponding geographic coordinates (lat/long) for each.

Premises identification numbers, both Federal Premises Identification Numbers 

(PINs) and State Location Identifiers (LIDs) and associating them with the assignment 

of official identification devices has enabled the BAHDS to better link identification 

devices to their premises of origin, thus improving animal disease traceability. The 

principal premises identifier assigned in Pennsylvania is the Federal Premises 

Identification Number (PIN). The cooperator continued to update and register new 

premises upon request.

In 2019, a new premises identification application as launched on PDA, BAHDs 

website for producers to apply online. Through continuous registration updates, a 

more accurate and up-to-date database will form. We continue to work with IT 

professionals in order to create an online portal which will allow for producer updates 

regarding species and counts within their premises.

3. The ability to rapidly search electronic databases for records of official identification 

devices; where they have been distributed and/or applied; and where they were 

sighted from animal disease testing disease-program, or animal movement 

documents.

PDA, BAHDs continues to maintain all records of official identification devices 

distributed and/or applied via tag distribution and application sheets that are 

provided to all entities (dealers, tagging sites and accredited level II veterinarians) 

receiving tags. The information from these sheets is then recorded in our USAHERDS 

database system. All panel readers from our one still operating panel reader system 

located at a livestock market are also saved within USAHERDS database system. Work 

is being done to install nine more panel readers at livestock markets and slaughter 

facilities.

The Recipient continues to work to move towards an entirely electronic system for 

the storing of animal health information. At this time, all records of the distribution 

& application of official identification devices are searchable and saved within 

USAHERDS database system. Electronic records from disease programs (such as CWD 

& Johnes), vaccination reports, annual program reports, official tagging site 
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application reports, RFID panel reads, animal testing records and animal movement 

records from Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (Global Vet Link) are also stored 

within USAHERDS database system. Paper Certificates of Veterinary Inspection that 

are received are saved within our internal server electronically.

4. Adoption of RFID devices for animals currently receiving NUES tags, in accordance 

with the plan created by the ADT working group in 2017.

PDA, BAHDs began widespread distribution of RFID tags to producers in 2019 after 

free RFID tags were allocated to states from USDA, APHIS-VS. These tags are available 

through the use of our online form. Additionally, one of our two DHIA’s has begun to 

use RFID tags in lieu of NUES tags for their producers. PDA, BAHDs will continue to 

provide information and aid in the conversion to RFIDs with other producers. PDA, 

BAHDs will continue to make the remaining NUES tags available to Pennsylvania 

livestock producers, official tagging sites, accredited level II veterinarians and the two 

Dairy Herd Improvement association who are in good standing with the Bureau of 

Animal Health. These tags will continue to be distributed for use by these entities until 

they are no longer available from the USDA.

PDA, BAHDs continues to have RFID requirements via our swine quarantine order and 

for large shows/expositions within Pennsylvania. Portable readers continue to be 

made available for fairs/shows/exhibitions to verify incoming cattle identification via 

certificates of veterinary inspection. This data is stored in these readers and can be 

imported into our USAHERDS database system if necessary.

5. Adoption of both electronic CVIs and Coggins test to better receive animal 

movement and disease information in real time.

PDA, BAHDs continues to work towards an entirely electronic database system for the 

storing of animal health information. Animal testing records and animal movement 

records from Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (Global Vet Link) are now stored 

within USAHERDS. Paper Certificates of Veterinary Inspection that are received are 

saved within our internal server electronically.

PDA, BAHDs continues to distribute information to accredited level II veterinarians 

regarding electronic CVI programs that are available. The Bureau’s IT Team, 

AgraGuard, Released the Pennsylvania Animal Health Portal in 2022. The primary 

focus of the initial release was to allow online licensure for dealer haulers. Updates 

and additional functionality continue to be added. The portal does allow a user to 

update premises information which furthers our objective of maintaining an up to 

date electronic database.

6. Accountability, statewide, for producers, official tagging sites, dealer/haulers and 

veterinarians who are receiving these tags, to maintains an accurate electronic 

database system.

It is vital that stakeholder receiving and distributing tags maintain accurate and 

searchable records. A spot check of records is done to ensure this goal is met before 

additional tags are distributed. For Dealer and Haulers, a records check to ensure this

goal is met is part of a routine yearly inspection from BAHDS field staff.
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2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

• Weakness

o Phasing out of NUES tags and implementing EID may cause difficulties 

for smaller producers.

o Need for more incentive for Pennsylvania Vets to use E-CVI platforms.

o Pennsylvania needs to provide more ADT education and form stronger 

working relationships with producers, markets, and slaughter facilities 

to ensure we are all working together to achieve ADT success.

• Strengths

o Stable funding from both federal and state sources.

o Experienced staff in the field to support ADT initiatives.

o Access to useful and searchable IT systems USAHERDS, USALIMS, 

E-cvi platforms.

o Increase in administrative staff including an emergency response 

epidemiologist.

o Lab partnerships with Penn State extensions.

o Capable data entry support staff.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

Opportunities

• Increase data gathered by installing panel readers at Markets and 

Slaughter Facilities.

• Continue to modernize CVI process and implement more ECVI.

• Improve communication between the state and industry 

stakeholders. 

• Increase use of EID technology by partnering with markets, and 

auctions.

Threats

• Staff workload and turnover.

• Pushback from industry regarding implementation of EID.

• Violations of import requirements.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment.

• Human resources

o ADT Coordinator

o 7 clerical staff (25% of time spent on CVI and data entry)
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o 28 field staff responsible for inspections, investigation, and 

enforcement

• Space availability

o Office space is adequate

• Connectivity resources, both in office and in the field

o Staff are able to connect in office and in field

o Field staff would benefit from a mobile printer to print 

documents when on site, especially if the farmer does not 

have email or internet

• Access to USDA ADT and animal health information resources

o Staff have access and are proficient in USDA ADT resources

• Organization of all existing paper record systems used to access 

ADT or animal health information

o Import and export CVIs that are not submitted electronically 

are stored and searchable by date and state of destination or 

origin

• Computerized data management capability, including present 

storage size, speed, security, etc.

o All data is stored securely utilizing USAHERDS and 

USALIMS

• Automated data capture capability

o Approved ECVI applications automatically upload to 

USAHERDS

o New panel readers will allow for more automated data 

capture at markets and slaughter facilities

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

The mission of the Bureau of Animal Health, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is to 

protect the health of our Commonwealth’s domestic livestock populations through prevention 

and control of dangerous transmissible animal and zoonotic disease and to further protect public 

health by ensuring a safe, wholesome, adequate and accessible food supply for Commonwealth 

citizens through the maintenance of a thriving livestock economy.

USDA, APHIS-VS’s proposed plan for transition to RFID tags and electronic traceability 

systems will be a challenge for Pennsylvania moving forward without the aid of additional federal 

funds and/or mandates. However, the aid received through the allocation of free RFID tags has 

allowed Pennsylvania to make great strides in flooding the markets with RFID tags. 

In 2019, we made several updates to our current systems, including online tag ordering 

forms and premisesID applications. In 2022, BAHDS launched an online animal health portal. This 

portal is initially targeted at Dealer/Haulers allowing them an online option to renew their license 

as well as make any changes to their Premises information. This will allow us to have a more 

comprehensive and up-to-date database system.
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Our ADT program in Pennsylvania must continue to remain responsive to the ever-changing 

technology and industry needs in order to maintain a proficient Animal Disease Traceability 

Program. The below represent broad objectives towards the continued improvement of ADT in 

Pennsylvania over the next three years. These objectives and current supporting activities that 

are subject to change ADT nationwide continues to grow and change and will continued to be 

outlined in further detail in USDA, APHIS-VS annual cooperative workplans. 

1. Outreach

1.1 Provide educational and technical support to the livestock industry

1.1.1 Veterinarians

1.1.2 Livestock Markets & Dealer/Haulers

1.1.3 Other industry stakeholders

1.1.4 Tagging sites

1.2 Premises registration

2. Technology

1.1 Information on electronic identification (EID) to cattle industry

1.1.1 RFID & NUES tags to stakeholders

1.2 Electronic Animal Movement Data & Development of internal traceability data 

management systems (USAHERDS, etc.)

1.2.1 ECVI’s for veterinarians

1.2.2 Panel Reads

1.2.3 Database system

3. Enforcement

a. Implementation of Quarantine Orders

b. Compliance with traceability requirements

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

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

health officials, veterinarians, and industry; including sharing basic 

ADT data with the Federal Animal Health Events Repository (AHER);

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

identification 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.
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4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

• Continue outreach and education for industry stakeholders 

specifically targeting the implementation of EID in the short term.

• Maintain and improve relationships with Dairy Health Improvement 

associations and others that can help with tag distribution.

• Continue to maintain and enforce ADT standards.

• Enhance our ability for timely data capture and entry

o Installation of panel readers for automatic data capture

o Expand PA animal health portal to allow producers easier 

access to update premises and license information

• Educate and encourage veterinarians to utilize available ECVI 

platforms.

• Respond to all trace request with timeliness and accuracy

4.3 ADT Trace Performance Measures (TPMs)

PDA, BAHDS will continue to provide tracebacks in compliance with federal ADT rule 

in accordance with the established guidelines in the ‘Traceability Performance Measures 

Guidelines’ document provided by USDA, APHIS-VS. These traces are defined below.

1. Determines the state in which the animal was officially identified and notifies that 

state of the reference animal’s identification number.

This task is performed by the state that received the animal.

The performance parameter measured is the time required for determination of 

the state where the animal was identified by the recipient and for notification of the 

state where the animal was officially identified.

2. State where animal was officially identified determines that it has documentation 

that an official identification number was issued within its jurisdiction and it has 

contact information for the person who received that number. This task is performed 

by the state where the reference animal was identified. The performance parameter 

measured is the time it takes to determine the location within the state where the 

animal was officially identified. If identification was applied at a market, the location 

from where the animal was delivered to the market must be determined.

3. Determines the state from which the animal was moved interstate into its 

jurisdiction and notifies that state of the reference animal’s identification number. 

This task is performed by the state that received the reference animal. The 

performance parameter is the time it takes to determine the state from which an 

imported animal was moved from and contact that state.

4. Determines address or location from which the animal was shipped.

This task is performed by the state that receives notification that a reference 

animal was moved interstate from its jurisdiction. The performance parameter is the 

time it takes to determine the location in the state from where the animal was shipped 

when it moved interstate. If movement was from a market, determine the production 

unit of the animal before moving to the market.
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Each of these traces will be completed in a timely manner as it would in an emergency 

traceback scenario. Time, resources, and type of document will continue to be 

documented. The ADT coordinator will perform all tracebacks as issued by the USDA 

APHIS VS ADT Program staff. The ADT coordinator will also complete all traces that occur 

in real time animal health emergencies.

4.4 Data requirements

• Data will continue to be stored in USAHERDS and USALIMS.

• Majority of incoming data is ICVIs and tag distribution records.

• Panel readers will help PA to capture more automated data.

• Section 2.2 and 4.5 describes in detail where we are and goals for data 

collection and storage. 

4.5 Information technology plan

Technology (Electronic Animal Movement Data & Development of internal traceability data management 

systems (USAHERDS, etc.))

Database Systems

• USAHERDS

PDA, BAHDs uses USAHERDS & USALIMs database systems to support ADT within the 

commonwealth. These two SQL based database systems are used to record and maintain 

both animal disease program and identification information. USAHERDS is the database 

most frequently used by the recipient for ADT program needs. This database is used to 

maintain all Premises Identification Numbers (PINs), tag application/distribution records 

and animal movement documents. USAHERDS receives automatic uploads from the 

electronic CVI service Global VetLink (GVL). Import and export CVIs are also downloaded 

and saved from the USDA run VSPS system. USAHERDS is used by the recipient to 

document the receipt of all official identification from USDA, APHIS -VS and then 

documents its distribution through the main or regional offices to accredited 

veterinarians, approved tagging sites, producers and our DHIA’s.

USAHERDS also has disease program reports, official tagging site reports, RFID panel 

reads from livestock markets and animal testing records.

All data within this database falls under the control of the Bureau and is subject to 

the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Requests for data outside normal working hours are 

addressed the following working day with the exception of any requests associated with 

an emergency animal disease event where staff would be made available for 

weekend/after-hours work.

BAHDS will continue to maintain and explore further opportunities for expansion of 

its USAHERDS database for maintaining premises data, animal identification device 

distribution data, and searchable files in addition to the myriad of animal health functions 

it already performs.
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• Animal Identification Management System (AIMS)

PDA, BAHDs also uses AIMS to locate tags distributed through other entities such as 

tag production companies. The Bureau will continue to use AIMs to aid in traceability and 

issued Trace Performance Measures (TPMs).

• ArcGIS

PDA, BAHDS will continue to use the ArcGIS mapping software for outbreak scenarios 

and surveillance when necessary. The ability to create these ‘maps’ in ArcGIS has greatly 

reduced response time for potential outbreaks in making this critical information 

available in a timelier manner. ArcGIS has been a great tool in allowing the bureau to 

provide an online address checker in response to Pennsylvania HPAI 2022 incident. The 

address checker allows a premises to enter their address and quickly see if they are in an 

infected, buffer, or surveillance zone. The address checker can be found at 

https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a44

3a08043766cb84bf4ae

• Panel Readers

Passive electronic capture of RFID at livestock markets remains a priority. One remaining 

market with functional scanners will continue to collect data. With the further 

implementation of RFID requirements, BAHDS hopes to revisit the installation of more 

of these panels as RFID tags become more prevalent in markets. In 2023 site visits to 

potential markets, dealer hauler, and slaughter facilities have occurred in order to 

identify the most effective locations to install new panel readers. BAHDS hopes to install 

nine new panel readers statewide during the 2024-2027 period.

• Electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspections (eCVI’s) for Veterinarians

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health has, and will 

continue to promote the use of electronic certificates of veterinary inspection to 

accredited level II veterinarians. Several electronic options are available for these entities 

including Global Vetlink (GVL) and VSPS. In 2023, 400 accredited veterinarians in 

Pennsylvania submitted 9,754 eCVI’s through these platforms. BAHDS will continue to 

promote these applications.

Additionally, BAHDS now has the ability through our USAHERDS system to view all 

submitted electronic CVIs. USAHERDS now has functioning autointegration capabilities 

that allow submitted CVIs from GVL to be viewed in our database system.

4.6 Resource requirements

All resource needs appear to be met for PA to implement this strategic plan

• Is specific expertise needed that is not currently available?
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o No, PA has recently added multiple full-time positions and while new 

positions are not strictly ADT related they relieve some work load and 

allow the ADT coordinator and clerical staff to spend more time related 

to ADT.

• Will consultants be needed?

o Consultants may be used to help manage emergency response plans and 

lead tabletop exercises.

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

tested?

o Yes, a state-wide COOP is implemented and tested annually.

• Are automated data capture resources needed?

o Yes, PA has secured funding for the installation of nine new panel 

readers across the state.

o Additional needs may be: funding to help markets or slaughter facilities 

with the installation cost of panel readers. Funding to provide RFID 

readers to veterinarians to assist with the implementation of EID.

4.7 Organizational needs

4.7.1 Executive support

• Executive support for Pennsylvania ADT programs is adequate.

• Executive officials are supportive of ADT goals and objectives and 

frequently briefed on progress.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

• In Pennsylvania the ADT coordinator is the primary contact for 

implementation of the strategic plan. The ADT coordinator receives support 

from clerical staff for data entry and searches, and support from field staff 

for investigations and enforcement. 

• Pennsylvania has an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator that works with 

the ADT Coordinator to prepare and deploy resources if necessary.

• Pennsylvania’s ADT coordinator attends federal and state calls, as well as 

conferences to discuss and share ideas with other states ADT programs. 

This also serves as an opportunity to make sure our efforts are coordinated 

and systems work together. 

• There has been turnover over the past few years for Pennsylvania’s ADT 

coordinator and so transition documents and training material has been 

created to outline duties and objectives for new administrative staff.

4.7.3 Policy

• Pennsylvania aligns its ADT policy to the federal ADT rule to maintain 

consistency and allow us to implement a strategic plan aligned with 

federal goals.

4.7.4 Staffing

• Currently one full time ADT coordinator, along with leveraging other human 

resources as part of their duties is enough to implement the plan and meet the 

standards set.
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4.7.5 Budget requirements

• Cooperative agreement funds are used to fund one full time ADT coordinator 

position. This position is fully devoted to meeting ADT goals laid out within 

this plan.

• The State General fund meets the needs of other staff members whose work 

contributes to ADT goals.

• Projected 2024 cooperative agreement funding of $111,774 is enough to meet 

current needs, as well as going forward if current funding levels are maintained.

4.7.6 Outreach 

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

• PDA, BAHDS performs outreach to accredited veterinarians. 

Communications to accredited veterinarians through an email system 

provides an opportunity for animal health updates, deadline 

notifications, etc. The ADT Coordinator continues to use this as the 

main form of communication with accredited veterinarians. 

Veterinarians are reminded of the responsibilities involved with 

receiving tags from the PDA and reporting their tag usage. PDA, BAHDS 

cooperates with USDA, APHIS, VS to deliver accreditation training to 

veterinarians, part of which includes Animal Disease Traceability. 

Veterinarians are also provided updates on Electronic CVI platforms 

available for their use in an effort to consolidate CVIS to electronic 

versions that are much more searchable than paper. Pennsylvania 

maintains current and accurate files of accredited veterinarians in 

addition to maintaining this information in the USAHERDS database.

4.7.6.2 Slaughter plants

• Slaughter facilities receive routine inspections at which the inspector will 

share any new or relevant information. Slaughter plants are involved in our 

short-term plan to install nine panel readers. Installing these readers at 

slaughter facilities will give PDA automated data capture in the slaughter 

channel allowing us to work with USDA to retire tags that are no longer active.

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

• The livestock industry

• Efforts to inform livestock stakeholders on procedures for assignment, 

application, compliant use, and documentation continue. Discussion 

with dealer/haulers, livestock markets and other entities continue to 

increase ADT compliance statewide. Most of this activity occurring as 

field staff encounters noncompliant members of these groups at 

livestock markets, educational shows, fairs and other events. The ADT 

coordinator remains in contact with current official approved tagging 

sites to ensure appropriate tagging procedures are taking place and 

accurate records are being kept. Field staff continue to provide 

information to producers, veterinarians, and livestock markets as time 

permits and upon request. Informational postings and updates 
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continue to be made to the PA Department of Agriculture website as 

needed to aid in the distribution of information and remain a resource 

for the public. 

• PDA, BAHDS’ 29 field staff members spend time working on all aspects 

of Animal Disease Traceability including education, outreach, 

compliance checks and disease investigation. 

• Outreach presentations have been offered by the Livestock Programs 

Coordinator for Animal Disease Traceability and the State Veterinarian 

at such venues as the PA Beef Council, PA Cattlemen’s College, 

purebred dairy cattle association meetings, livestock markets, the 

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and at seminars 

conducted at the Keystone International Livestock Exposition.

• Livestock Markets & Dealer/Haulers

• Dealer Haulers continue to be reminded of their responsibilities for 

reporting tag usage, and how not doing so could negatively impact 

their receiving of USDA issued NUES tags from the PDA. They will 

continue to be monitored and undergo regular record checks. 

Penalties will continue to incur as necessary. 

• Markets and Dealer Haulers also continue to be informed of the 

upcoming change of availability of Metal NUES tags and the shift 

towards EID. Making the change from NUES to EID will come with 

significant cost to these entities and Pennsylvania continues to explore 

options to make the transition easier on stake holders.

• PDA has formed a list of Livestock Markets within Pennsylvania and 

does frequent inspections of these entities. PDA, BAHDS will continue 

to monitor tag use at official tagging sites and tag use of licensed 

dealer/haulers through regulatory records.

• PDA, BAHDs will continue to work cooperatively on enforcement and 

education with USDA, APHIS-VS staff.

• Tagging Sites

• Tagging sites will continue to have regular record checks completed by 

field staff. They also receive records checks from the ADT coordinator 
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upon request of additional tags. Penalties will incur for noncompliance.

• In 2020, the tagging site has been redrafted, and will be resigned by all 

sites currently in operation. The new tagging site agreement is drafted 

to include all parties involved in the tagging of animals at different 

sites.

• Other industry stakeholders

• ADT updates and program information are presented and discussed at 

Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission (AHDC) meetings as well as 

to various AHDC committee meetings held throughout the year. The 

Bureau continues to make presentations to cervid stakeholders. These 

presentations are intended to familiarize the industry with certification 

program standards, the spread of CWD and new requirements, and 

include ADT information regarding compliant use of official 

identification devices. Continuing this type of outreach regarding ADT 

is vital to improve traceability moving forward. The bureau also plans 

to distribute 600 microchips to Pennsylvania deer farmers to advance 

our objective to have more EIDs that are more easily traced and 

searched.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

BAHDS continues to monitor CVIs to determine error rates and compliance issues, 

particularly with improper use of or lack of official identification on movement 

documents. 

We continue to report the following data with quarterly reports:

 Number of export CVIs created.

 Number of import CVIs received.

 Number of imported bovines by class officially identified.

 Number of exported bovines by class officially identified.

 Volume of official identification distributed.

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY 

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

• Continue to monitor ICVI movements and maintain accurate searchable data of 

movements.

• Increase the usage of E-CVI platforms by Pennsylvania accredited veterinarians.

• Install nine new panel readers at markets and slaughter facilities to advance 

automatic data capture.

• Educate and promote use of EID for cattle.
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• Maintain communication and effective working relationships with our industry 

stakeholders.

• Expand our use of technology to achieve ADT objectives including:

o A more easily searchable database of ICVI.

o Reduce time required for accurate traces.

o Enhance education efforts.

o Allow stakeholders to easily submit updated information.

o Make information sharing between USDA and other state easier.

5.2 Implementation of objectives

• Many objectives are already being implemented and will continue to be expanded as 

additional resources are available. The installation of nine panel readers is a new 

objective that will take priority in Year 1 of this plan to coincide with a proposed final 

rule that will expand use of EID. Due to recent turnover in the ADT coordinator 

position Year 1 of this plan will also have a heavy focus on education and outreach as 

the ADT coordinator forms working relationships with veterinarians and industry 

partners. As technology continues to expand, Pennsylvania will continue look at 

opportunities to modernize our platforms and improve efficiency of ADT data 

collection and shareability of the data.