Cattle imports from Mexico are moving again at more U.S. ports, and electronic identification now carries much of the record-keeping. New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck explained that when imported cattle are sorted into new lots on the U.S. side, inspectors now record each animal's individual ID on the health certificate that goes with the shipment. In the past, paperwork often listed only a range of ID numbers.
The electronic tags also replace the blue metal clips that were applied at tuberculosis testing. Those clips sometimes damaged ears badly enough that cattle were rejected at import. Under an agreement between USDA and Mexico's animal health authorities, the electronic tags can now serve as official ID for cattle from eligible Mexican states.
The switch has meant more documentation for buyers, brokers and port managers, and everyone has had to adjust. USDA says electronic ID can help officials find at-risk animals in under an hour, where tracing paper records used to take weeks.
Why it matters for producers
Individual electronic ID is becoming the normal way cattle move across North America. Herds that already tag and record every animal will find buyers, inspections and disease tracing faster and simpler.
