The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday announced a final rule establishing general regulations that the department says will improve the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate.
Under the final rule, unless specifically exempted, livestock moved interstate would have to be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other documentation, such as owner-shipper statements or brand certificates.
After considering the public comments received, the final rule has several differences from the proposed rule issued in August 2011. Pertaining to the poultry industry, these include exempting chicks moved interstate from a hatchery from the official identification requirements.
For more specific details about the regulation and how it will affect producers, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability.
This notice is expected to be published in the December 28 Federal Register.
