This page lists a number of the current tags approved for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) which is the system originally started in response to the first Mad Cow or BSE case discovery here in the United States at the end of 2003. (Scroll about halfway down page to view tags.)
Sagebrush Tags / RFIDtagstcc.com is an authorized tag manager/reseller for the '840' series tags from Allflex, Y-TEX and Destron which are approved for use with the USDA/NAIS National Animal Identification program. These tags bear the USDA approved logo and manufacturer's name along with the 15-digit identification number. They can also be used with other certification programs. These devices are not to be removed from the animal once they have been applied.
In order to purchase the 840 tags you MUST have a premise ID numbered registered through your state or tribe. Orders for the 840 tags will be shipped to the address of the premise registration unless special arrangements are made. More information on premises registration can be found at Premises Registration.
There will be a place on the order form for you to enter your premise ID number.
On February 5, 2010 USDA announced a new, flexible framework for animal disease traceability in the United States.
The framework will provide the basic tenets of an improved animal disease traceability capacity in the United States. USDA's efforts will:
- Only apply to animals moved in interstate commerce;
- Be administered by the States and Tribal Nations to provide more flexibility;
- Encourage the use of lower-cost technology; and
- Be implemented transparently through federal regulations and the full rulemaking process.
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Premises registration was to be used in conjunction with approved ID devices to aid in rapid traceback of animal origin in the event of a disease outbreak. It is likely that there will still be programs in place which will require premises registration which can usually be taken care of through your state Dept. of Ag. See the above link to find the best location to register premises in your state.
As of this time (Feb. 28, 2011) it sounds like USDA will work to make sure that producers who have already registered their premises and purchased 840 tags will not have to revamp their ID program in order to be compliant with new rules and regulations that come into play through State and Tribal Nation implementation of ID programs for traceability. We will try to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
If you wish to use these devices to help with marketing your animals then you may want to enroll with a third party verifier or PVP program such as Certified Angus, AgInfoLink or South Dakota Certified Beef.
Devices which had been approved for the NAIS as of January 2011 include RFID button tags; matched sets which include an RFID button tag and a visual tag set with matching 15-digit nubmers; All in one tags or combo e tags which combine the RFID device with a panel tag; or USDA 840 visual tags which are panel tags with a 15-digit number printed on them.
These tags will also meet COOL requirements.
Approved devices for horses (equine), alpaca/llama are a microchip transponder such as the Destron LIFECHIP (available with Bio-Thermo technology which also allows you to monitor the animal's temperature) which is inserted under the skin of the animal - usually in the neck on horses or at the base of the poll on llama/alpaca. We now have the USDA 840 version of the LIFE CHIP as well as the standard version available - See more information on the standard LifeChip at this page - Life Chip.
Michigan Producers - Please note that as of this time Sagebrush Tags / RFIDtagstcc.com is NOT an authorized reseller for the 840 tags used in the Michigan ID program. Please contact your department of agriculture for ordering information.
Click on the images below for more information on each type of USDA 840 device.
