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

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or swine in Pennsylvania, ear tag compliance is not optional — and the rules changed significantly in late 2024. A federal mandate took effect on November 5, 2024, requiring electronic identification (EID) tags for certain classes of cattle and bison moving across state lines, and Pennsylvania already enforces some of the strictest scrapie identification rules in the country for small ruminants.

Whether you’re a first-time producer or a seasoned farmer preparing for a sale, understanding which animals need official ear tags, which tag types are accepted, and how to stay compliant with both state and federal rules can save you from costly fines and movement delays. This guide covers every major aspect of livestock ear tag requirements in Pennsylvania, from species-specific rules to recordkeeping timelines.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Pennsylvania

Not every animal on your farm requires an official ear tag, but the categories that do are clearly defined under federal and state regulations. The 2013 USDA APHIS “Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate” rule established minimum animal identification and documentation requirements for the interstate travel of cattle and bison, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids, and poultry.

For cattle and bison, the classes that require official identification are well established. Under 9 CFR § 86.4(b), 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.

For sheep and goats, Pennsylvania goes further than the federal baseline. In Pennsylvania, producers are required to identify their sheep and goats with an official scrapie identification method before moving them off their farms — and this includes animals transported within the state as well as those transported across state lines. For swine, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture mandated that all show pigs must have RFID tags in their ears as of 2016.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether a specific animal on your farm requires an official ear tag, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services before your next sale or movement event.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

The single biggest shift in livestock identification in recent years came from a USDA APHIS final rule published in the Federal Register. The rule amends the animal disease traceability regulations to require that eartags applied on or after a date 180 days after publication be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized as official eartags for interstate movement of cattle and bison. This rule became effective November 5, 2024.

The 2024 Animal Disease Traceability rule only changes the type of tag that can be used — it does not change the class of animals required to be tagged. If your cattle or bison already had an official visual-only tag applied before November 5, 2024, you do not need to retag them. Per 9 CFR Part 86, visual-only NUES tags are no longer acceptable as official identification for cattle and bison when applied on or after November 5, 2024, but visual-only NUES tags placed in ears prior to this date will be considered official for the life of the animal.

The practical effect for Pennsylvania producers is straightforward. The rule does not add any new classes of livestock to what previously required official ID — those animals just have to have an EID tag now, and it is for interstate movement only. The requirement covers all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or over; all dairy cattle of any age (including dairy-beef cross calves); cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

Congress allocated $15 million in the March 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically for EID tags, and many state veterinarian offices distribute free 840 RFID tags to producers, though supply has been uneven. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to check current availability of no-cost tags in your area.

Important Note: Animals that never leave the state where they were born are not subject to the federal EID requirement. Animals that never leave the state they are born in are not subject to federal traceability regulations. However, Pennsylvania’s own state rules for sheep and goats apply regardless of whether you cross state lines.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Pennsylvania

The 840 RFID ear tag is the standard official identification device for cattle, bison, and other covered livestock in the United States. Official EID tags are 15 digits long, starting with “840-“, have the US shield, and say “Unlawful to Remove.” Official EID tags begin with 840- and are nationally unique, also bearing the US shield and the statement that they are “Unlawful to Remove.”

There is an important distinction between RFID-capable 840 tags and visual-only 840 tags. Make sure you order RFID tags, not AIN tags. AIN (Animal Identification Number) tags look like RFID tags with an 840 number, but they cannot be read by a wand or reader. They are only visual tags and are not acceptable for Pennsylvania shows.

Two EID technology types are approved. Both HDX (half-duplex) and FDX (full-duplex) low-frequency ear tags meet U.S. standards for official EID. Either is acceptable for official purposes — choose based on your reader equipment and management software.

To order 840 tags, you first need a Premises Identification Number (PIN). As a pork producer or livestock owner, whether you own one animal or a thousand, you should have a premises ID. The premises ID is a number assigned by the state that enables the state to notify you if a major disease outbreak, either foreign or domestic, occurs in your area or across the United States. It is not available publicly and is only used for disease notification if necessary. You can request a premises ID through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Tag Feature	Requirement
Number Format	15 digits beginning with “840”
Official Shield	US Route Shield with “US” imprint — required on all tags applied after March 11, 2015
Tamper Evidence	Must display “Unlawful to Remove”
Technology	HDX or FDX low-frequency RFID (both accepted)
Prerequisite	Valid Premises Identification Number (PIN) required to order

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Pennsylvania

Each livestock species has its own identification requirements under federal and Pennsylvania state rules. Understanding the rules for your specific animals prevents compliance gaps.

Cattle and Bison

For cattle and bison moving interstate, an 840 RFID tag is now the standard for interstate movement of covered animals. The rule applies to specific categories crossing state lines: sexually intact beef cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle of any age, and cattle and bison used for rodeo, recreational events, shows, or exhibitions. Beef feeder cattle under 18 months are generally exempt unless the destination state or a disease program requires identification.

You can request ear tags for cattle through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Tags are issued in 12-month supplies. This is a useful option for producers who want state-issued tags tied directly to their premises record.

Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats (Ovis aries and Capra hircus) face some of the most detailed identification rules of any livestock species in Pennsylvania, driven by the National Scrapie Eradication Program. As of January 1, 2009, all sheep and goats raised in Pennsylvania must be identified with official scrapie ID if they leave the farm property or properties where they are housed.

This includes animals transported within the state as well as those transported across state lines. Pennsylvania law regarding scrapie identification is more stringent than the USDA national requirement that sheep 18 months and older must have a scrapie ID if they leave the farm of origin.

Several forms of official scrapie ID are accepted. Two forms of official ID are a readable registration tattoo that matches the registration certificate and a USDA-registered scrapie tattoo that is readable. However, tattoos may not be used as the sole form of official ID for animals moving to slaughter or through a livestock market.

Swine

Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) identification in Pennsylvania is tied to both show requirements and the broader federal traceability framework. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture mandated that all show pigs must have RFID tags in their ears, and the RFID tag should start with the numbers 840.

For slaughter swine moving interstate, a Premises Identification Number tag is the standard device. USDA APHIS announced a new initiative to provide no-cost EID tags for swine beginning fall 2025. These EID tags are available for sow and exhibition swine producers, and once available, producers can order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com.

Equines and Captive Cervids

Horses and other equines moving interstate can be officially identified using a digital photograph or written description of the animal. Captive cervids such as deer and elk are also covered under the interstate traceability rule and must meet official identification requirements before crossing state lines. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for current cervid-specific identification methods accepted in Pennsylvania.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Pennsylvania

You have several options for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags in Pennsylvania, ranging from free state-issued tags to direct purchases from approved manufacturers.

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: You can request ear tags for cattle through the Department of Agriculture. Tags are issued in 12-month supplies. For sheep and goat scrapie tags, new producers in Pennsylvania can obtain tags or a premises ID by calling 717-836-3235 or emailing asteck@pa.gov.
• USDA-Approved 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.
• Accredited Veterinarians: If you did not ask the producer when you purchased the pig, call your veterinarian and ask if they have RFID tags tied to their premises ID that they could place in the animal’s ear at the time of issuing health papers. You may be charged for the RFID tag, as it is not provided free of charge to veterinarians.
• Livestock Markets: Animals required to have a tag and leaving a premises for interstate movement should have one in place when leaving the premises, or can obtain one at an official tagging site. All approved livestock markets are also approved tagging sites.
• Sheep and Goat Tags (USDA Hotline): To request official sheep and goat tags, a flock or premises ID, or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).

RFID 840 tags cost between $2 and $5 per tag, depending on the manufacturer, tag style, and order quantity. If you anticipate needing more tags than the state allotment covers, plan to purchase additional tags directly from an approved manufacturer well in advance of your movement or sale date.

Pro Tip: You must have a premises ID to order RFID tags. If you do not yet have one, register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture before contacting any tag supplier — you cannot complete a tag order without it.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Pennsylvania

Applying ear tags correctly matters as much as having the right tag. A tag applied in the wrong location or with a damaged applicator can fall out, become unreadable, or cause welfare concerns for the animal.

Apply the official tag well before movement — for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. Do not wait until the day of transport to tag animals. If a required tag is missing at the time of loading, you may face movement delays or be required to tag at a livestock market at your own expense.

For placement, place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two cartilage ribs, avoiding blood vessels. Follow brand-specific instructions. For sheep and goats specifically, plastic tags are best for animals that require shearing. If you use metal tags, place it in the left ear, about a third of the way down from the head where it is easier to see.

Hygiene during application is also important. Clean the applicator and the ear. Ensure firm closure and check retention before animals leave the chute. A tag that does not click fully closed will not stay in the ear reliably, and a lost official tag creates a traceability gap that can trigger compliance issues.

• Never place two RFID tags in the same ear. If the pig already has an 840 RFID tag in its ear, that is the tag that must be used to identify the animal. The same principle applies to cattle and other species.
• Do not use cattle RFID tags on small ruminants. Each species has its own approved tag format.
• Remove twine from hay bales and ensure hay rings are in good condition to minimize catching and snagging of tags after application.

If you need to transport livestock and are also concerned about trailer compliance, review livestock trailer requirements in Pennsylvania to make sure your hauling setup meets state standards alongside your tagging obligations.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Pennsylvania

Moving livestock across state lines triggers both federal identification requirements and destination-state import rules. Pennsylvania producers shipping animals out of state — and producers receiving animals from other states — must understand both sides of this equation.

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. The ICVI is issued by an accredited veterinarian and must list each animal’s official identification number.

For cattle and bison, the EID tag must be in place before the animal leaves your premises. “If animals are crossing state lines and an official ID is required, then all parties involved are responsible for the animals and need to know the requirements of the state of destination,” according to USDA-APHIS. “This includes the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian and buyer.”

Commuter herd arrangements are one recognized exception. There are some exceptions to the ruling, including cattle moved as a commuter herd with a commuter herd agreement between states or tribes. If your operation straddles a state border, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to confirm whether a commuter herd agreement applies to your situation.

For sheep and goats, the USDA could fine producers if sheep or goats lack scrapie identification and are transported across state lines. Pennsylvania’s rule is stricter than the federal baseline, so tagging all sheep and goats before any off-farm movement — not just interstate movement — is the safest approach.

Producers moving livestock to or from neighboring states should also review the trailer and transport rules for those states. For reference, see livestock trailer requirements in New York or livestock trailer requirements in Ohio if you regularly ship to those markets. You can also review transporting livestock laws in Pennsylvania for a full picture of state-level transport rules.

Important Note: Destination states may impose additional identification or health testing requirements beyond what Pennsylvania and federal rules require. Always confirm the import requirements of the receiving state with that state’s veterinarian office before loading animals.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals in Pennsylvania

Ear tagging is only half of the compliance equation. Federal and state rules require you to maintain records that connect each official tag number to the animal, its origin, and its movements. Without adequate records, a tag number alone cannot support a disease investigation.

For sheep and goat producers, the recordkeeping requirements under the National Scrapie Eradication Program are specific. Records must be kept for five years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Producers are required to follow federal and state regulations for officially identifying their sheep and goats, and must also keep herd records showing what new animals were added and what animals left the herd or flock.

When you buy or sell animals, you must record the date of the transaction along with the official ID number of each animal. The official ID number is the complete number on the official USDA sheep or goat tag, official tattoo, or approved RFID device. For cattle, if you apply a new EID tag to an animal that was previously officially identified, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied.

The following records should be part of every Pennsylvania livestock producer’s standard documentation system:

1. Animal identification records: The official ear tag number for each animal, along with species, breed, sex, and approximate age or date of birth.
2. Premises information: Your Premises Identification Number (PIN) and the PIN of any premises from which you received animals.
3. Movement records: Date of movement, destination, and the name and address of the buyer or receiving facility for every animal that leaves your farm.
4. Purchase records: Date of purchase, seller name and address, and the official ID number of each animal received.
5. Tag distribution records: If you received free state-issued tags, keep the documentation showing how many tags were issued and to which animals they were applied.

Records must be kept for five years after the animal is sold or otherwise disposed of. Producers should keep records in an electronic format, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, for easy retrieval.

Staying current on your rabies vaccination documentation is another compliance area that often intersects with livestock health records in Pennsylvania. Review rabies vaccine requirements in Pennsylvania to make sure your herd health records are complete. Producers who also keep companion animals on their farms may want to check rabies vaccine requirements for cats in Pennsylvania as a separate but related compliance item.

If you transport animals to fairs, exhibitions, or sales in other states, the same five-year retention rule applies to those movement records. The required tag distribution records associate the official identification number with the person who received the device. Without official identification, animal health officials’ ability to accurately trace an animal’s movements can take months or may never be achieved. Keeping thorough records protects you, your animals, and your neighbors in the event of a disease outbreak.

For producers who also operate in other states, the ear tag and transport rules vary by jurisdiction. You can compare requirements in states such as Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, or Missouri to build a consistent compliance approach across your operations. Producers shipping to southern markets may also find it useful to review rules in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana.