Farm & Ranch
Animal Disease Traceability
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
On July 6, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) posted in the Federal Register a proposal that radio frequency identification tags be used as official identification for cattle and bison. Following a period for public comment, the USDA APHIS released a statement on April 24, 2024, with the amended animal disease traceability (ADT) regulation for cattle and bison. The full press release may be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-bolsters-animal-disease-traceability-united-states. Under the new rule, cattle and bison will need to be identified with tags that are both visual and electronic.
The USDA defines ADT as knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they have been, and when the animal disease event took place. A system that allows for efficient traceability of livestock in the United States is essential for animal health and reducing the economic effect of a foreign animal disease outbreak and other diseases on livestock producers as well as others whose well-being depends on livestock production.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
For many people, fall work is already on their minds. Pre-conditioning is just around the corner for some, while others are already counting down the days until weaning. May your grass be tall and may you get enough moisture to keep it green but not too soggy.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
When a farm animal (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs) comes to the end of their productive life, producers have to decide if the animal should be sent to slaughter or be euthanized.
According to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines, slaughter should be a consideration for animals that are not in severe pain, freely able to stand and walk, capable of being transported, and free of disease and drug residues. When these conditions cannot be met, the animal should be euthanized. Euthanasia is defined as a good death (“eu” which means well + “thanatos” which means death). It is the responsibility of all livestock producers to either have the skills and equipment to accomplish this or to know someone who does in a manner that is stress free and painless.
The decision to euthanize an animal should be based on the welfare of the animal. Euthanasia should be used to relieve suffering and pain. Also, it should be used when there is no hope for improvement in the animal’s condition or when additional treatments will not change the outcome.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Lindsey Monk
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