Livestock Identification; Use of Alternative Numbering Systems

We are amending the regulations to recognize additional numbering systems for the identification of animals in interstate commerce and State/Federal/industry cooperative disease control and eradication programs. Additionally, we are amending the regulations to authorize the use of a numbering system to identify premises where animals are managed or held. These new numbering systems will be a key element in a national animal identification system that is being implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, at present on a voluntary basis. The changes we are making to the regulations are necessary to allow the use of these new numbering systems for official purposes. Use of the new numbering systems will not, however, be required as a result of this rulemaking. Finally, we are amending the regulations to prohibit the removal of official identification devices and to eliminate potential regulatory obstacles to the recognition of emerging technologies that could offer viable alternatives to existing animal identification devices and methods.