Animal Health
Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) in Wyoming
Why Traceability Matters in Wyoming
Ranching anchors the state. Wyoming agriculture contributes more than $1 billion to the economy each year, nearly 12,000 producers graze livestock across two-thirds of the state’s landmass, and Wyoming ranks first in the nation for average ranch size. The state runs roughly 1.3 million cattle and calves, 365,000 sheep, and 90,000 swine.
Because Wyoming sits in the Greater Yellowstone Area and maintains a Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area, disease surveillance is not optional. Wyoming is a net-export state, and the biggest threat poor traceability poses is the loss of disease-free status and the trade that depends on it. Fast, accurate tracing is what keeps markets open for everyone.
Traceability removes animals from quarantine and testing requirements quickly, supporting markets and producer business needs. The ability to obtain information about infected and exposed animals that are likely to spread disease reduces the number of animals affected and ensures a quick and efficient disease response. Traceability needs are simple. Where the animals are, have been, and when they were at each location.
The Wyoming Livestock Board runs the state’s animal disease traceability program. The goal is simple. Keep Wyoming’s markets open by achieving two primary goals related to animal disease traceability efforts:
1. Advance Wyoming’s Livestock Industry
Advance Wyoming’s livestock industry through enhanced partnerships between veterinarians and producers, promoting a healthy, secure food supply.
2. Enhance Market Access
Strengthen market access and increase prosperity for Wyoming’s livestock producers by meeting national and state standards for traceability.
Official Identification
840 electronic identification (EID) tags are the current form of Official ID interstate movement. 840 EID tags are visually and electronically readable. They contain ‘840’ as the first three numbers and a US shield. Tags without a US shield are counterfeit and not official ID.
Official Identification
840 Electronic Identification (EID) Tags
840 EID tags are the current form of official identification for calfhood vaccination and interstate movement. They are visually and electronically readable and can be identified by the “840” prefix and the U.S. shield. Tags without the U.S. shield are counterfeit and are not recognized as official identification.
Wyoming Bangs OCV Tags
Learn when Wyoming Bangs OCV tags may be used for Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV) identification and when they cannot be used.
Official Ear Tags
Official USDA-approved ear tags used for animal identification.
Breed Registration Tattoos
Accepted for certain species when recognized under official identification requirements.
Microchips
Accepted for certain species where permitted by state or federal regulations.
Brand Agreements
Learn how official brand agreements apply to livestock movement between Wyoming and neighboring states.
Training & Support
Wyoming Livestock Board provides hands-on and online support for:
Official identification may be required for:
- Electronic ID Reader use — reading and capturing EID tags in the field and at markets.
- Electronic Records — electronic submission of test and vaccination records.
- Electronic Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (eCVI) setup — choosing and using an eCVI platform, including options that work in areas with weak cell coverage.
If you run a larger operation or commuter herd, electronic capture can save time in the field. Reach out and we’ll show you how it works in your practice or on your place.
Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule
The federal animal disease traceability rule for livestock moved interstate, effective March 2013, established minimum national official identification and documentation requirements for the traceability of livestock moving interstate. The species covered in the rule include cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids (e.g., deer and elk), and poultry. When these animals move interstate, unless otherwise exempt, they must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other movement document agreed upon by both the sending and receiving states.
On November 5, 2024, USDA- APHIS published the Final Animal Disease Traceability Rule. This rule states that eartags placed in sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all rodeo, exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle moving interstate must be visually and electronically readable. USDA’s Final 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that must be used, it does not change the classes of cattle and bison that are required to be tagged.
In cooperation with USDA, the WLSB created a three-year strategic ADT Road Map that outlines the state’s long-term plan and strategy for implementing and enhancing animal disease traceability.
Wyoming ADT Roadmap
What’s Required
For Accredited Veterinarians
Applying official ID. Accredited veterinarians are responsible for applying official identification, reporting it, and keeping records of the devices used. Keep application records in an accessible place; it speeds up any trace. 840 Official ID (Electronic ID-EID) tagsWyoming vaccination tags. The Wyoming Bangs OCV tag may be applied to document OCV only for heifers remaining in Wyoming. These tags are NOT recognized as an OCV tag outside of Wyoming, and they are NOT a form of official identification. Veterinarians must contact National Band and Tag Company for ordering information. Wyoming Bangs Tag
Getting tags. When available, WLSB distributes official 840 ID tags from the state’s allocation to veterinarians and markets so you have official ID on hand for animals that need it. Contact WLSB AH to coordinate an order. Submit Wyoming-origin CVIs electronically. Paper CVIs may still be issued out of stock on hand. If you haven’t moved to an eCVI platform yet, contact WLSB AH and we’ll help you get set up and walk you through the options.
Submitting test and vaccination records. Submit brucellosis vaccination records and brucellosis, trichomoniasis, and tuberculosis test records electronically through either the Wyoming electronic forms or MIMS platform. Wyoming Livestock Board offers training, in person and online, on both RFID reader use and electronic record submission.
For Producers
What counts as official ID
- 840 Official ID (Electronic ID-EID) tags — the primary standard.
- Historic NUES metal tags — still recognized, but being phased out. NUES tags placed after November 5, 2024, are no longer official ID. If they are applied for calfhood vaccination, they do not meet the tag requirement for interstate movement.
- Registered brands and brand certificates — accepted as a form of official ID only when an agreement (MOU) is in place between the origin and destination states. Wyoming and Utah are the only states with this agreement in place. WY UT Brand Agreement
Where to get tags. Talk to your veterinarian. WLSB distributes 840 EID tags to vets and markets from the state’s allocation. If not available, producers and veterinarians may purchase tags.
Brands still matter. Wyoming continues to use brands and brand inspections as a traceability tool, particularly for within-state movement and proof of ownership. Brand inspectors also help document animal movement.
What’s Changed
- The Wyoming Bangs OCV tag may be applied to document Official Calfhood Vaccinate (OCV) only for heifers remaining in Wyoming. These tags are NOT recognized as an OCV tag outside of Wyoming, and they are NOT a form of official identification. Wyoming Bangs Tag
- Paper CVI books are not longer available. As of January 1, 2025, Wyoming Livestock Board no longer issues paper Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) booklets. Submit all Wyoming-origin CVIs electronically (eCVIs).
- NUES metal tags are no longer to be applied as official ID. The official ID going forward is the 840 EID tag.
- 840 EID tags ship from the USDA warehouse. WLSB AH coordinates orders; tags are distributed directly to veterinarians and approved facilities.
- Training is available statewide for electronic ID readers and electronic record submission.
How To Get 840 EID Tags
If you do not have a Premises Identification Number (PIN) or have forgotten your PIN, contact the Wyomign Livestock Board at 307-777-7515.Allflex USA, Inc
www.allflexusa.com
Y-Tex
www.ytex.com
Datamars, Inc
www.datamars.com
Shearwell Data
www.Shearwell.com
Educational Resources
Wyoming Bangs
OCV Tag
Information
Learn about Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV), approved identification methods, and vaccination requirements for
Wyoming cattle.
Official
Identification Requirements for Cattle, Bison & Yak
Review official identification requirements for cattle, bison,
yak, and exhibition animals,
including acceptable forms of identification and movement requirements.
Contact
If you have questions about electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (eCVIs), EID tags, electronic record training, or official identification requirements, contact the Wyoming Livestock Board.