EID Tags, Taggers & Readers Resources

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On May 9, 2024, USDA- APHIS published into the Federal Register the Final Animal Disease Traceability Rule “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison” making visually and electronically readable tags the only form of official identification for sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all rodeo, exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle moving interstate. This new rule will become effective November 5, 2024. USDA’s Final 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that can be used, it does not change the class of animals that are required to be tagged. Below is information about Official Electronic Identification (EID) Tags, and EID readers.

 


Who Can I Get EID Tags? 

Producers can purchase official 840 EID tags and tag applicators directly from any tag distributor or talk to your local veterinarian. Note: in order to purchase 840 EID tags, you must have a Premises Identification Number (PIN) assigned.

 

Kansas accredited veterinarians & Kansas livestock markets may be able to obtain free 840 tags and applicators from KDA when available.


No-cost EID Tags for Swine Identification

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a new initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025. These EID tags will be available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Once available, producers will be able to order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com. These tags are intended for use in the sow and exhibition swine sectors. This program will enhance the speed and accuracy of disease response efforts across the swine industry.

Who can order

  • Commercial Sow Facilities
  • Exhibition Swine Facilities

To qualify, requesters must:

 Number of sows on premises  Maximum number of tags
 1 - 500  500
 501 - 999  750
1,000 - 4,999   1,500
 5,000 - 9,999  3,000
 10,000+  6,000

 The number of EID tags available each year at no-cost through this program varies by group.

  • Sow Producers: The maximum number of tags is based on the number of sows at a premises, as shown in the table.
  • Exhibition Swine Producers: May order tags for swine on premises

To order tags visit www.840swinetags.com

Common RFID 840 Tag Questions


How To Get EID Tags 

  1. If you do not have a Premises Identification number, register for a Premises Identification Number
    • If you have a Premises Identification number and have forgot or are unsure if you have one, please call 785-564-6606.
  2. Order Tags from Manufacturer or Distributor listed below
Allflex USA, Inc

Phone: (800) 989-8247

www.allflexusa.com

All Data Tags

Phone: (470) 210-4075

www.alldatatags.com

Y-Tex

Phone: (307) 587-5515

www.ytex.com

Datamars, Inc

Phone: (254) 598-3440

www.datamars.com

 
Shearwell Data

Phone: (800) 778-6014

www.Shearwell.com

 
Valley Vet

Phone: (800) 419-9524

www.valleyvet.com

 
Destron Fearing

Phone: (800) 328-0118

www.destronfearing.com

 
Leader Products

Phone: (833) 549-1563

www.Leaderproducts.com

 Updated: May 2024


 EID TAGS FAQs

What animals require official ID before crossing state lines?
If Cattle or Bison are already tagged with a USDA metal tag, do I also need to tag them with an official 840 tag?
How do official EID tags enhance traceability?
Will I have to buy additional equipment to read the tags?
What is an official EID tag?
Where do I apply the 840 EID tag on cattle?
How do you know if an EID tag is official or not?

EID Readers

It is not necessary to use an EID reader, however using EID readers to scan tags can make it quicker and easier to more accurately record the tag number. There are several reader options available to fit your needs. For additional or updated information, please refer to the company website.


EID Taggers

EID tags should be placed with the correct tagger. Not all taggers will work for all tags. It is recommended to use the correct tagger with the correct tag for high retention rates. Below are different types of taggers to choose from. For additional or updated information, please refer to the company website.

Manual Taggers
Retractomatic
Pneumatic
Electric