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

If you raise cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or other livestock in Mississippi, ear tag requirements are not optional — they are a legal obligation tied to both federal animal disease traceability rules and the Mississippi Board of Animal Health’s entry and movement regulations. Getting this wrong can mean fines, denied interstate shipments, or animals turned back at the border.

The rules changed significantly in November 2024, when USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) mandated electronic identification (EID) ear tags for covered classes of cattle and bison crossing state lines. If you have not updated your tagging practices since then, this guide walks you through exactly what Mississippi producers must do today.

Which Animals Require Official Ear Tags in Mississippi

Not every animal on your farm needs a federally approved ear tag, but a broad range of livestock do — particularly when they leave your premises for interstate commerce, shows, or sale. Understanding which animals trigger the requirement saves you time and keeps you compliant.

Under federal regulations in 9 CFR Part 86, 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.

The species covered in federal traceability regulations also include sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equids, captive cervids (such as deer and elk), and poultry. Each of these species has its own approved identification device and method. Mississippi producers who ship any of these animals across state lines must ensure proper identification is in place before the animals leave the farm.

Direct-to-slaughter cattle, including cull cattle, are not subject to identification requirements. Cattle and bison that do not move interstate are also not subject to the federal identification requirements, unless required by APHIS program disease regulations in 9 CFR subchapter C. In plain terms: if your animals never leave Mississippi, federal ear tag rules do not apply — though the Mississippi Board of Animal Health may still have state-level requirements for certain movements and sales.

Pro Tip: Even if an animal is not federally required to carry an official ear tag, Mississippi’s entry rules require all animals to be “officially tagged or permanently marked in such a way that they will be identifiable as the animals listed on the health certificate” when entering the state. Tag early to avoid last-minute scrambles at the sale barn.

Federal RFID Ear Tag Rule: What Changed in November 2024

On November 5, 2024, new federal rules took effect requiring electronic identification (EID) ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines. This is the most significant shift in livestock identification requirements in a generation, and Mississippi producers who ship cattle out of state need to understand exactly what changed.

USDA APHIS amended the animal disease traceability regulations to require that ear tags applied on or after November 5, 2024, be both visually and electronically readable in order to be recognized for use as official ear tags for interstate movement of cattle and bison covered under the regulations. Visual-only metal tags — the silver “brite” tags many producers have used for decades — no longer qualify as official identification for covered cattle tagged after that date.

A producer is not required to re-tag animals that were tagged with non-electronically readable tags prior to November 5, 2024. The non-electronic tags already in place are considered official for the lifetime of the animal. Going forward, however, electronic tags are required when tagging applicable animals.

The rule does not expand which animals must be identified — it only changes the type of tag required. As USDA-APHIS Area Veterinarian Kevin Petersburg explained: “This doesn’t add any new classes of livestock to what previously required official ID, they just have to have an EID tag now, and it’s for interstate movement only. It’s still 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.”

Important Note: As of June 2026, litigation challenging the November 2024 EID rule remains active in federal court. Producers are required to comply with the rule as written unless a court order specifically suspends it. Contact the Mississippi Board of Animal Health or your accredited veterinarian for the most current compliance status before shipping.

Official 840 RFID Ear Tag Requirements in Mississippi

The 840 tag is the standard official identification device for cattle and bison in the United States. USDA 840 tags are only developed by authorized manufacturers and have a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) that begins with the prefix 840. That three-digit prefix is the ISO country code for the United States, and every digit that follows is unique to a single animal.

Each EID tag number begins with 840, which is the U.S. country code, then followed by 003 and nine more unique numbers per tag. Tags with a 982 code are no longer acceptable. Similarly, 900 series tags do not fulfill the requirements of this rule because they are not approved as an official means of electronic identification.

Official tags display the 15-digit AIN (starting with 840), the official ear tag shield, and the words “Unlawful to Remove.” Both HDX (half-duplex) and FDX (full-duplex) low-frequency RFID technologies meet U.S. standards. HDX tags utilize half-duplex technology that can be read from a greater distance and are beneficial for automated systems, while FDX tags utilize full-duplex technology and are a cost-effective option.

Approved tags must be tamper-resistant and have a high retention rate of at least 99%. RFID tags are recommended to be placed in the left ear, leaving the right ear available for official vaccination and brucellosis identification tags applied by your herd veterinarian.

To purchase 840 tags, you must have a Premises Identification Number (PIN). When purchasing 840 tags, the purchaser is required to submit their Premises ID number, and the tag distributor will then confirm that the Premises ID number given is accurate. If you do not have a PIN for your Mississippi operation, contact the Mississippi Board of Animal Health at 601-359-1170 to register your premises before ordering tags.

Species-Specific Ear Tag Rules in Mississippi

Each livestock species has its own approved identification system under federal and Mississippi state rules. Applying the wrong tag type — or no tag at all — can result in your animals being rejected at the state line or at the sale barn.

Cattle and Bison: As covered above, cattle and bison in covered classes moving interstate must carry an 840 RFID ear tag applied after November 5, 2024. 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 allows producers to add an EID tag alongside a pre-November 2024 visual tag without violating the rules.

Sheep and Goats: All sheep and goats, except those for immediate slaughter, must be accompanied by an official certificate of veterinary inspection (OCVI). Intact sheep and goats require individual identification by an official USDA Scrapie ear tag, brand, or tattoo recorded on the OCVI. Mississippi participates in the federal Scrapie program, and the state must retain “Scrapie Consistent” status as defined in 9 CFR Parts 54 and 79. Producers who sell or move breeding sheep and goats must ensure animals carry valid scrapie identification.

Swine: Swine moving interstate for breeding purposes must be accompanied by an official health certificate and a permit from the Mississippi State Veterinarian. Feeder pigs moving on shipment into Mississippi must be ear tagged and identified to the farm of origin and be quarantined for 30 days to the farm of destination. USDA APHIS also announced a new initiative in August 2025 to provide no-cost RFID ear tags for swine, specifically for sow and exhibition swine producers.

Horses and Equines: Horses and other equines moving interstate can be officially identified using a digital photograph or written description of the animal. Mississippi also requires an official certificate of veterinary inspection and a negative Coggins test (Equine Infectious Anemia) within the past 12 months for equines entering the state.

Poultry and Captive Cervids: Poultry moving interstate are required to have sealed and numbered leg bands. Captive cervids (deer and elk) face strict entry restrictions in Mississippi — white-tailed deer, elk, red deer, reindeer, moose, sika, mule deer, and black-tailed deer and crosses of those animals are not allowed entry into Mississippi, with the exception of permits for cervids for exhibition purposes only.

Where to Get Official Ear Tags in Mississippi

Mississippi producers have several avenues for obtaining official 840 RFID ear tags and other approved identification devices. The right source depends on your species, operation size, and whether you qualify for no-cost tags through state or federal programs.

• Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH): The MBAH administers animal identification programs in Mississippi and can connect you with approved tag sources. Contact them at 601-359-1170 or visit mbah.ms.gov. State animal health officials may distribute no-cost RFID tags to eligible cattle producers under USDA’s ongoing funding programs.
• Accredited Veterinarians: Your veterinarian may be an option to obtain 840 ear tags. They can also apply official brucellosis vaccination tags and issue the health certificates required for interstate movement.
• Authorized Tag Manufacturers and Dealers: Three companies account for the bulk of 840 tag sales in the United States: Allflex (headquartered in Dallas, TX), Datamars (headquartered in Switzerland with an office in Temple, TX), and Y-Tex (headquartered in Cody, WY). Tags can be ordered directly from approved vendors online or through local farm supply retailers that are authorized AIN device managers.
• No-Cost Swine RFID Tags: Beginning fall 2025, USDA APHIS made no-cost RFID ear tags available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Producers and state animal health officials can order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com.

840 tags are not a stockable tag, meaning that each time you order them, you must provide your Premises ID so that it is specific to the ear tags you are purchasing. Plan ahead — it may take several days for your tag order to be received, processed, shipped, and delivered. Do not wait until the day before a shipment to order tags.

How and When to Apply Ear Tags in Mississippi

Proper tag application protects your investment, ensures the tag stays readable, and keeps you compliant with both USDA and Mississippi requirements. A lost or misapplied tag can delay a sale or require re-tagging before interstate movement.

Timing: Apply the official tag well before movement — for example, at processing, preconditioning, or prior to sale or shipment — to avoid delays. For Mississippi 4-H and junior livestock shows, the Mississippi State University Extension Service coordinates tag ordering and application well in advance of nomination deadlines.

Placement: 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. USDA prefers producers apply ear tags in the left ear, leaving the right ear for official use (such as brucellosis vaccination tags).

Applicator and Hygiene: Use the correct applicator for the tag brand and species. Before inserting visual and EID tags for sheep or meat goats, clean the ear where the tag is to be inserted to remove any debris. The ideal location is between the second and third elastic veins in the center of the animal’s ear. Spray the male portion of the tags with a chlorhexidine disinfectant solution diluted in clean water before inserting the tag to reduce the risk of infection.

Lost or Replaced Tags: If a tag is lost, it can be replaced with permission with a new EID tag. The new tag number should be recorded, along with the date and location of the replacement. If the old number is known, that should be noted as well.

Pro Tip: For beef cattle EID button tags, the female (thicker) portion of the tag should always face the inside of the ear. Check tag retention before animals leave the chute — a loose tag is a compliance problem waiting to happen at the weigh station or sale barn.

Ear Tag Requirements for Interstate Movement in Mississippi

Moving livestock out of Mississippi — or bringing animals in — triggers a separate layer of documentation and identification requirements on top of the ear tag itself. Ear tags alone are not enough; you also need the right paperwork.

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. Mississippi producers shipping cattle, sheep, goats, swine, or horses out of state must work with an accredited veterinarian to obtain a valid ICVI before the animals leave the farm.

If animals are crossing state lines and an official ID is required, all parties involved are responsible for the animals and need to know the requirements of the state of destination. This includes the breeder, livestock market, shipper, hauler, broker, veterinarian, and buyer. Ignorance of a destination state’s requirements is not a legal defense — check the receiving state’s import rules before loading.

Mississippi’s entry rules for incoming livestock are administered by the MBAH. No animal shall be shipped or transported into the State of Mississippi that originated from a quarantined herd or area, except for immediate slaughter. For permits to bring animals into Mississippi, the following information is required: complete name and mailing addresses of consignor and consignee; brucellosis and tuberculosis status of test-eligible cattle, swine, and exotics; pseudorabies status of swine; and origin and destination. To obtain a permit, call 601-359-1170, anytime day or night.

Some exemptions exist for interstate movement. Under a commuter herd agreement between a livestock owner and state or tribal animal health officials, cattle and bison may be moved interstate between two premises, without a change of ownership in the course of normal livestock operations, subject to the conditions of the agreement. If your operation straddles a state line, ask the MBAH whether a commuter herd agreement applies to your situation.

For more details on trailer and transport compliance when moving livestock across Mississippi’s borders, see the guide on transporting livestock laws in Mississippi and the overview of livestock trailer requirements in Mississippi. If you ship to neighboring states, check the specific rules for Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas as well.

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ear-Tagged Animals

Ear tags only work for disease traceability if the records behind them are accurate and accessible. Both federal and Mississippi state rules impose specific recordkeeping obligations on producers, veterinarians, and tag distributors.

Non-EID official ear tags applied before November 5, 2024, remain valid. If you apply a new EID tag to an already officially identified animal, you must record both tag numbers and the date the new tag was applied. This dual-record requirement ensures that animals transitioning from the old visual-only system to the new EID system remain traceable throughout their lives.

For sheep and goats, Mississippi’s scrapie regulation sets clear recordkeeping standards. Records on every animal that requires official ID must be maintained for five years from the time the animal leaves the flock or dies. No person may remove or tamper with any approved means of identification required to be on sheep or goats, unless the identification must be removed for medical reasons, in which case new official identification must be applied as soon as possible and prior to any commingling that could result in loss of identity.

At the federal level, tag information is recorded when tags are applied, at selling points, when official movements are recorded, and when a disease investigation is being conducted. Livestock markets, sale barns, and veterinarians all play a role in maintaining this chain of records. As a producer, your responsibility is to ensure that any animal leaving your premises with an official tag has that tag number documented in your farm records.

Species	Required ID Device	Record Retention Period	Key Trigger
Cattle and Bison (covered classes)	840 RFID EID tag (for tags applied after Nov. 5, 2024)	Per APHIS ADT program requirements	Interstate movement
Sheep (intact, breeding)	Official USDA Scrapie ear tag, brand, or tattoo	5 years from leaving flock or death	Interstate movement or sale
Goats (intact)	Official USDA Scrapie ear tag, brand, or tattoo	5 years from leaving flock or death	Interstate movement or sale
Swine (feeder pigs entering MS)	Ear tag identified to farm of origin	Per health certificate requirements	Entry into Mississippi
Horses and Equines	Photo or written description on ICVI	Per ICVI documentation rules	Interstate movement

While federal regulations do not require the digitization of paper records, APHIS has encouraged the use of electronic recordkeeping through targeted funding to state and tribal animal health officials. Mississippi producers who use electronic herd management software can streamline their compliance by logging tag numbers, application dates, and movement records digitally — making it far easier to respond if your animals are ever involved in a disease investigation.

For questions about Mississippi-specific recordkeeping rules, contact the Mississippi Board of Animal Health at 601-359-1170 or visit mbah.ms.gov. For federal ADT program guidance, the USDA APHIS Animal Disease Traceability page is the authoritative source, and the Federal Register final rule published May 9, 2024 contains the full regulatory text. If you ship cattle to other states in the region, review the livestock trailer and movement rules for Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Missouri to stay compliant at every point in the supply chain. Mississippi producers with hunting operations on their land can also find relevant state licensing information in the guide to hunting license requirements in Mississippi.