This FSIS Notice has expired.  It is made available here for informational purposes only

Animal Identification

The purpose of this notice is to remind all veterinarians and inspection program personnel of the importance of ensuring that all animal identification remains associated with the carcass until post-mortem examination has been completed.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the recent Anthrax contaminated mail in the United States have brought to light the potential for agroterrorism against the livestock and poultry industries of this country. In the unfortunate event of such a strike (e.g., Foot and Mouth Disease), one of the most important factors that will help limit the spread of the disease will be our ability to trace the suspect animal’s movements in commerce and to identify its herd of origin as quickly as possible.

At this time, in the interest of the food biosecurity of the United States, the Agency is re-emphasizing the importance of the collection of all animal identifying devices and of these devices remaining associated with the animal until the post-mortem examination has been completed, as required by the regulations.

The regulations at 9 CFR 310.2 require establishments to maintain the identity of the carcass with certain severed parts. It also requires establishments to remove and present to FSIS program personnel ear tags, backtags, implants, and other identifying devices and to identify them with the rest of the carcass at post-mortem examination. 9 CFR 310.2(b)(5)(i) and (ii) require inspection program personnel to collect all animal IDs associated with animals suspected of a reportable disease or animals suspected of residue violations pending laboratory confirmation.

Without this documentation, animal tracebacks are severely hampered which can make it difficult to prevent the spread of a foreign animal disease, especially in cases of very contagious diseases (e.g., Foot and Mouth Disease). Also, while many establishments that slaughter market animals (i.e., fat cattle) maintain records of where the animals were purchased, they may not always maintain records of the animal producer (e.g., rancher, farmer, etc.). This producer information would be critical when trying to limit the scope of an animal disease epidemic.

It cannot be overemphasized that, in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak deliberately or accidentally introduced into the United States, the collection of animal ID would be critical when conducting foreign disease surveillance and maintaining an effective traceback capability.

Inspection program personnel should contact the Slaughter Operations Staff, Technical Service Center, at (800) 233-3935.

Philip S. Derfler /s/

Assistant Administrator
Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development