National Animal Identification System; Use of 840 Animal Identification Numbers for U.S.-Born Animals Only

We are amending the regulations concerning the interstate movement of animals to limit the use of the animal identification number (AIN) with the 840 prefix to animals born in the United States. In addition, we are extending the restrictions on the removal of official identification devices to include devices applied to imported animals in their countries of origin. We are also requiring that if such a device is lost following importation into the United States, the animal may only be retagged with an official identification device using a numbering system other than an AIN beginning with an 840 prefix. These requirements are necessary to enhance our traceback capabilities for both domestic and imported animals in the event of a disease outbreak.