the Michigan farm animal identification records program

The National FAIR (Farm Animal Identification Records) Program began in Michigan November 1, 2002.  ID tags are available to producers at no charge in the TB Endemic area or to those statewide with accredited herds. Due to ongoing bovine TB eradication efforts, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services chose Michigan as a pilot state, granting $1.3 million to develop and implement the identification program. Currently, only a handful of other states, Canada, and a few European countries are utilizing electronic ID on a regular basis.

Since the state embarked on the federally funded, electronic livestock identification pilot program in Northeast Michigan, more than 90 percent of the area farmers have voluntarily incorporated this new technology and system (see 6c for herd accreditation information).

Although it has long been common for producers to identify their animals, identification has traditionally been with a plastic or metal tag or tattoo. Electronic ID incorporates a tag imbedded with a radio frequency device and marked with a unique, individual number that will not be duplicated on any other animal worldwide. This tag is then linked to a database that includes information specific to that animal, including date of birth, sex, type/species, and TB testing information. This electronic tag dramatically speeds up the location and tracing of livestock – from farm to market – and ensures the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This system provides further assurance to USDA, other states and our trading partners that Michigan cattle have been properly tested and moved; helps ease the burden on testing; and has allowed trace backs and forwards to be done in hours rather than days or weeks, which is critical in any animal disease situation.

Program implementation: The program has been implemented in 4 phases:

Phase 1: Obtain and load Premises ID information into FAIR

Phase 2:  Develop an electronic data recording system

Replace the paper recording system with an electronic recording system using handheld computers, ID tags and laptop computers for data transfer. Database, includes premise number, animal ID, RFID, birth date, species, breed, sex, herd management ID, TB testing date, CFT and CCT test results.

Phase 3: Record animal movement from markets and processing plants.  Currently the livestock markets in Gaylord, Clare, Cass City, Battle Creek, Lake Odessa, Ravenna, Napoleon and St. Louis, Michigan have ID readers.

Seven slaughter plants have ID readers: one in Michigan, one in Illinois, two in Pennsylvania and three in Wisconsin.

Phase 4:  Implement movement and permitting system online. Producers will soon be able to enter an animal’s electronic identification number into the state’s web-based system and quickly verify whether all testing requirements have been met. If so, the permit is granted and they can then choose to print the permit, or receive it by fax or mail.

EID Summary as of October 26, 2003:

Electronic ID can be read more easily, is faster and safer for the handler and there is less stress on the animal. Animal handling time is much shorter using EID and it is easier to determine if you missed an animal during testing.

There will be cost savings as the program switches from a paper to an electronic recording system such as reduced cost for data entry. Retesting time is decreased by as much as 50 percent and cost for trace-backs is decreased substantially.

Electronic ID will play a critical role in protecting the health of Michigan livestock, ensuring the safety of the food supply, maintaining consumer confidence in Michigan food and agricultural products, managing animal diseases and assisting farmers with data to enhance the genetic improvement of their herds.