Official identification is an ear tag approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that displays a nationally unique number for each individual animal. Similar to a social security number, official identification tags provide the Minnesota Board of Animal Health a way to track a specific animal in a disease investigation. That speed and efficiency in tracking can prove valuable in reducing the spread of disease.
See the following diagram for tag-placement guidelines.
840-series Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags offer the latest technology in conventional identification. 840 tags are comprised of 15 digits; 840 are the first three digits (numeric code for USA). In addition to visual labeling of an animal, RFIDs allow for wireless scanning of tags that can be downloaded to a computer or a hand-held device. You can use a button or bangle tag. Not all 840 tags are RFID, those without are also considered official. Producers need a premises number in order to purchase these tags. Please contact the Board to obtain one.
Manufacturer RFID tags with the first three digits of 982 and 985 are currently being accepted as official ID; however, these tags will not be accepted in the future. Producers are asked to discontinue use of these tags as soon as possible.
Orange metal ear tags are placed in the ears of cattle after they have been vaccinated for brucellosis. Accredited veterinarians are the only individuals that can use this tag.
The USDA metal ear tag is commonly referred to as a “Silver” or “Brite” tag. These tags are used by accredited veterinarians for disease testing and interstate movement.
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health accepts breed registry tattoos if accompanied by a breed registration number or a veterinarian statement such as, “this animal is registered with the [insert breed association here].”
Pending registrations are not acceptable.