USDA hits the pause button on RFID traceability for cattle

USDA has “paused” its efforts to move toward RFID technology as the acceptable form of animal identification for its Animal Disease Traceability program. Friday, October 25, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) removed a fact sheet on the issue from its website. Last April, APHIS posted a factsheet to provide producers with information about the Agency’s guidelines and goals related to Animal Disease Traceability. Since the Factsheet was posted, APHIS has listened to the livestock industry’s feedback. In light of these comments and current Executive Branch policy, APHIS believes that we should revisit those guidelines. APHIS has removed the Factsheet from its Web site, as it is no longer representative of current agency policy.