Livestock Ear Tag Requirements in Louisiana: What Every Producer Needs to Know

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or other livestock in Louisiana, ear tag compliance is not optional — it is a legal condition of moving, selling, or exhibiting your animals. Getting it wrong can mean fines, confiscation, or losing your right to sell at auction.

Louisiana producers operate under both federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rules and state-level requirements enforced by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). A major federal rule change took effect in November 2024, and understanding exactly what it requires — and what it does not change — is the fastest way to keep your operation compliant and your animals moving.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Louisiana

Not every animal on your property needs a federal official ear tag, but the list of covered animals is broader than many producers assume. Under federal regulations, the following categories of cattle and bison are subject to official identification requirements for interstate movement: all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all female dairy cattle of any age and all male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

Sheep and goats have their own mandatory identification program tied to scrapie eradication. Scrapie tags are a form of permanent identification that help animal health officials trace animals’ movements to prevent the spread of scrapie, and they are required for sheep and goats that are moved from their premises, sold, or exhibited. Swine and captive cervids also fall under federal traceability rules when they cross state lines.

Some animals are exempt. Direct-to-slaughter cattle, including cull cattle, are not subject to the identification requirements. Cattle and bison that do not move interstate are not subject to the identification requirements, unless required by APHIS program disease regulations in 9 CFR subchapter C. If your beef calves are under 18 months and move only within Louisiana, federal tagging rules do not apply — though LDAF may have additional state requirements worth confirming directly.

Pro Tip: Contact the LDAF Office of Veterinary Health at vetreports@ldaf.state.la.us or (225) 925-3980 to confirm whether specific animals on your operation require official identification before your next sale or movement.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The single biggest shift in livestock identification in decades happened on November 5, 2024. USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after that date be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations.

USDA-APHIS published the Final Animal Disease Traceability Rule in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, making visually and electronically readable tags the only form of official identification for sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all rodeo and exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle moving interstate. This new rule became effective November 5, 2024. USDA’s Final 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that can be used — it does not change the class of animals that are required to be tagged.

Producers with animals already carrying older visual-only tags do not need to retag. Cattle tagged with a metal tag or a plastic, non-RFID official identification tag prior to that date are grandfathered in. Cattle tagged with visual-only official tags prior to November 5, 2024, do not need to be retagged unless they lose their ID. Going forward, however, any new official tag applied to a covered animal must include an electronic (RFID) component.

Important Note: The grandfathering provision only protects tags already in the animal’s ear before November 5, 2024. Any tag applied after that date — for any reason, including brucellosis vaccination or tuberculosis testing — must be an 840 RFID tag to count as official identification.

Electronic identification tags and systems provide many advantages over traditional metal tags, including faster information sharing, more accurate and precise identification of animals, and significantly faster record searches during disease outbreaks. That speed is the core reason USDA pushed this rule through after years of debate.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Louisiana

When you need to apply an official tag to a covered animal in Louisiana, only one type currently qualifies. A USDA rule requiring newly applied cattle and bison official ID tags to have both a visual and electronic component is in effect as of November 5, 2024. Currently, the only official tags that meet these requirements are 840 RFID tags.

USDA tags have a unique 15-digit number starting with “840,” display the USDA shield emblem, and include “Unlawful to Remove” print. The “840” prefix is the ISO country code for the United States, and every digit after it is unique to your animal. Approved tags must be tamper-resistant, have a high retention rate of at least 99%, and start with the three numbers 840. Tags using a 900 series will not be recognized as official, even if electronically readable.

Before you can order 840 tags, you need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). A Premise ID (PIN) is a federal program that assigns a unique number to a specific geographic location where livestock animals are located, and Premise ID numbers are used by animal health officials to help identify the location of an animal in the event of a disease outbreak or animal emergency. In Louisiana, you register for a PIN through LDAF.

Once you apply an official 840 RFID tag to cattle, LDAF uses a specific form to document the official application of 840 RFID tags on cattle. It records important details such as the tag number, premises ID, and date of application. This form should be used any time you are applying an official tag on cattle and should be turned in to LDAF for recordkeeping.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Louisiana

Louisiana producers who raise more than cattle need to understand that each species operates under its own identification framework. The November 2024 RFID mandate applies only to cattle and bison — other species follow separate federal programs.

Sheep and Goats: The USDA Scrapie Eradication Program governs sheep and goat identification. The program is a mandatory USDA identification program for sheep and goats. All sheep over 18 months of age; sexually intact sheep under 18 months of age that are sold for breeding or exhibition; sheep sold unrestricted; sheep not in slaughter channels; and sheep that have lambed or are pregnant require official identification. Sexually intact goats not in slaughter channels of any age that do not meet the requirements to be considered low-risk commercial goats — such as those that are registered, sold for commercial milk production, or sold for other purposes — also require official identification. In Louisiana, scrapie tags are required for sheep and goats that are moved from their premises, sold, or exhibited, and to obtain scrapie tags, you must have a Premise Identification Number (PIN).

Swine: Swine that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by § 71.19 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For slaughter swine, a Premises Identification Number (PIN) tag is the standard device. Although there are a few different options for federally approved swine ear tags, the key components required are: a unique number for each animal, tamper-proof and permanently numbered construction, and a US shield emblem.

Captive Cervids: Captive cervids that are required to be officially identified for interstate movement must be identified by a device or method authorized by part 77 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If you raise deer or elk in Louisiana, contact LDAF directly for current approved device options, as cervid programs can include injectable RFID transponders in addition to ear tags.

Equines: Horses and other equids moving interstate must be officially identified, but equines moving interstate can be officially identified using a digital photograph or written description of the animal — ear tags are not required for this species.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Louisiana

Louisiana producers have several routes to obtain official 840 RFID tags. Your first step in every case is securing a valid Premises ID number from LDAF before placing any order.

• Direct from authorized manufacturers: Three major manufacturers produce approved 840 tags: Allflex (Dallas, TX), Datamars (Temple, TX), and Y-Tex (Cody, WY). Tags are available through veterinary supply distributors, farm supply stores, and directly from manufacturers.
• Through your accredited veterinarian: Accredited veterinarians can receive no-cost EID tags from the Department of Veterinary Health. Ask your vet whether they have a current supply before ordering elsewhere.
• Online tag distributors: All producers can purchase 840 EID tags and applicators directly from a tag distributor. To purchase 840 tags, you must have a Premise ID number assigned.
• State-distributed free tags: Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags. Many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, but supply has been uneven. Contact LDAF to ask about current availability of no-cost tags in Louisiana.

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. If you order in bulk ahead of a busy sale season, you can reduce per-tag costs meaningfully. Keep in mind that it may take several days for your tag order to be received, processed, shipped, and delivered, so plan ahead before cattle sales or shows.

For sheep and goat scrapie tags specifically, if you are an accredited veterinarian needing to order tags or a producer who needs a Premises ID number, contact the LDAF office of Veterinary Health at vetreports@ldaf.state.la.us or (225) 925-3980.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Louisiana

Timing and placement both matter for official identification. Apply the tag before the animal leaves your premises for any covered purpose — sale, exhibition, interstate movement, or veterinary testing under a federal disease program.

For physical placement, USDA prefers producers apply ear tags in the left ear, leaving the right ear for official use. All ear tags should be placed two-thirds of the way from the outside edge of the ear, and one-third of the way from the head between the middle two cartilage ribs. This placement keeps the tag readable and reduces the chance of snagging on fences or feeders.

While typically placing two official IDs on an animal is not allowed, an exception is made if the first tag is just visual and the second tag is electronically readable, such as an RFID tag. This matters for any of your cattle carrying grandfathered visual-only tags that you want to upgrade to RFID without violating the one-tag rule.

Pro Tip: When applying electronic ear tags, always remove the plastic insert in the lower jaw of the applicator before punching the tag. Leaving it in place is one of the most common application errors and can cause tag failure or poor retention.

For brucellosis vaccination specifically, note that the official brucellosis identification is an orange RFID button. These are placed in the right ear by the herd veterinarian at the time of vaccination. This orange OCV tag is distinct from the standard white 840 management tag and must be applied by an accredited vet — you cannot self-apply brucellosis tags.

Once a tag is applied, it cannot legally be removed. Tamper-proof, permanently numbered tags are produced with the numbers permanently printed on the tag during production. They can only be used once and should not be removed. Removing an official tag without authorization is a federal violation.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Louisiana

Moving livestock out of Louisiana — or receiving animals from another state — triggers both federal identification rules and LDAF documentation requirements. Understanding both layers keeps your shipment from being turned back at the state line.

Unless specifically exempted, livestock traveling over a state border must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (ICVI) or other documentation. In Louisiana, these livestock must be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) when traveling interstate unless subject to specific exemptions. You must get necessary animal health certificates from an accredited veterinarian and send completed health certificates to the LDAF office within 7 days of issue — by mail, fax, or email. LDAF will forward a copy of the health certificates to the state of destination.

For cattle specifically, the ICVI must include the animal’s 840 RFID tag number. Individual animal identification numbers — including the official eartag number(s), breed association registration tattoo or brand numbers, breed association registration number, and any other official individual identification on each animal to be moved — must be documented on the certificate.

Species	Official ID Required for Interstate Movement	Additional Documentation
Cattle & Bison (covered classes)	840 RFID ear tag (if tagged after Nov. 5, 2024)	ICVI from accredited vet
Sheep & Goats	Official scrapie tag (ear tag or other approved device)	ICVI or flock documentation
Swine	PIN tag or other approved device per 9 CFR § 71.19	ICVI or owner-shipper statement
Equines	Description, photo, or other approved method	ICVI and negative Coggins test
Captive Cervids	Approved device per 9 CFR part 77	ICVI

Exemptions apply for livestock moving within tribal land or to a custom slaughter facility. Beyond those exemptions, every covered animal crossing a Louisiana state line must have official ID in place before the truck rolls. If you regularly move animals to neighboring states like Texas, Mississippi, or Arkansas, check the livestock trailer requirements in Mississippi and review destination-state entry rules, since receiving states can impose requirements beyond the federal minimum.

Louisiana producers hauling livestock interstate should also confirm their trailer meets all applicable state and federal standards. Review the livestock trailer requirements in Louisiana to make sure your equipment is road-legal before your next interstate haul.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Louisiana

Applying the tag is only half the job. Federal regulations require you — and anyone who handles official identification devices — to maintain records that can be accessed during a disease investigation.

Any State, Tribe, accredited veterinarian, or other person or entity who distributes official identification devices must maintain for 5 years a record of the names and addresses of anyone to whom the devices were distributed. Official identification device distribution records must be entered by the person distributing the devices into the Tribal, State, Federal, or other database acceptable to each government entity.

For ICVIs and movement documentation, retention periods vary by species. For poultry and swine, such documents must be kept for at least 2 years, and for cattle and bison, sheep and goats, cervids, and equine species, 5 years. Keep both paper and digital copies in a system you can access quickly — during a disease outbreak, investigators may need records within hours, not days.

In Louisiana, the LDAF 840 RFID Tag Application Form is the state-level recordkeeping tool for cattle. This form documents the official application of 840 RFID tags on cattle. It records important details such as the tag number, premises ID, and date of application, and should be turned in to LDAF for recordkeeping any time you apply an official tag on cattle.

Key Insight: Build a simple spreadsheet or use a livestock management app to log each animal’s tag number, date applied, premises ID, and any subsequent movement or sale records. This gives you instant access to the data LDAF or USDA APHIS would need during a disease investigation, and it protects you from liability if a tag is ever questioned.

Tag information is recorded when tags are applied, at selling points, when official movements are recorded, and when a disease investigation is being conducted. Every transaction point is a record-creation moment. Treat your tag log the same way you treat your financial records — accurate, dated, and backed up.

For questions about your specific recordkeeping obligations, contact the LDAF Livestock Programs office or reach out to a USDA APHIS accredited veterinarian in your area. If you operate in multiple states or manage large commercial herds, also review the livestock trailer requirements in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee if those are common destination states for your animals.

Staying current with both federal APHIS rules and LDAF state requirements is the best way to keep your Louisiana livestock operation running without interruption. When in doubt, call LDAF’s Office of Veterinary Health directly at (225) 925-3980 — they are the authoritative source for Louisiana-specific guidance that no federal document can fully replace.