The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Program to introduce electronic ID ear tags. The objective is to enhance traceability especially in the event of an outbreak of an exotic disease. The recent emergence of bovine influenza-H5N1 is an example of how APHIS could regulate and control movement of both lactating and immature cattle to prevent dissemination of the infection. Previously the need for positive and rapid traceability was demonstrated in investigation of cases of rare spontaneous atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
Although the NCBA is concerned over cost, USDA has provided $15 million in funding to support the transition from existing “dumb” ear tags subject to detachment and fraud to a more effective and secure system.