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Animal Disease Traceability Program
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Animal Disease Traceability Program Overview
The Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program is a USDA initiative that applies to all livestock moving interstate. This system incorporates individual animal identification, record keeping and when necessary, record sharing. Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the number of animals and response time involved in a disease investigation. This tool helps reduce the economic impact of a livestock disease outbreak on owners and affected agricultural communities.
Premise Identification
Official Animal Identification Resources
All Species
- 2020 Livestock ID for Fairs and 4H (PDF)
- Official ID Tag Vendors (PDF)
- Handout of Resources from webinar series "Nip Livestock Disease in the Bud" (PDF)
Beef
- WEBINAR: Nip Livestock Disease in the Bud: Create Your Own Contact Tracing Program (Beef Edition)
- Cattle Ear Tag IDs Video +
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Cervid
Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goats)
- USDA Sheep and Goat ID Decision Tree (PDF)
- WEBINAR: Nip Livestock Disease in the Bud: Create Your Own Contact Tracing Program (Sheep edition)
- WEBINAR: Nip Livestock Disease in the Bud: Create Your Own Contact Tracing Program (Goat edition)
- Small Ruminants ID +
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Swine
- WEBINAR: Nip Livestock Disease in the Bud: Create Your Own Contact Tracing Program (Swine edition)
- Swine Ear Tags Video +
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Maine Premises Identification Number
Premises Identification is one part of the USDA Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program. A Premises Identification Number (PIN, also commonly called a "Prem ID") is a unique code that is permanently assigned to a single physical location. PIN registration is administered by each State and plays an important role in an animal disease response event.
The PIN record helps animal health officials quickly and precisely identify the locations of livestock and their potential contacts during an animal disease outbreak. A PIN permanently corresponds to a physical location where livestock are born and housed. If a producer moves their business to a new location, they would register for a new PIN and discontinue using any official ID tags associated with the old PIN and location.
Premises Identification FAQs
A premises is any physical location where livestock animals are managed or held which includes all locations where livestock is born, raised, marketed or exhibited. Examples may include farms and hobby farms, veterinary clinics, stables, livestock markets and livestock exhibitions.
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What is premises identification number? +
A premises identification number is a unique code that is assigned to a physical location. Once a premises is established and registered with a identification number it is tied to that physical location permanently so there is no need to obtain a new number each year or re-register. However, since it linked to that physical location the premises identification number will not travel with you if you move and you will need to obtain a new number for your new location. Also, if you raise livestock at multiple locations there will need to be a unique premises identification number for each unique physical location.
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Which animals are considered livestock? +
Cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, equine, cervids (deer, elk), camelids (llamas, alpacas) and aquaculture are all examples of species that would be registered under a premises identification number. Also, any animals raised for exhibition may need a premises identification number.
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What information do I need in order to register my premises? +
We will need the name and contact information of the location owner, physical location of the premises, livestock species housed there, and the name and contact information of the animal owner or primary caretaker. You do not need to provide the number of animals or other information associated with the location.
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Why is premise registration important? +
Livestock production is vitally important to the economy of Maine and registering your premises provides us with the means to respond quickly and effectively to limit the spread of disease and minimize losses to the state and protect your animals. In addition, the ability to trace and control the spread of animal diseases helps to ensure consumer confidence in a safe food supply.
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How do I register my premises? +
There are two methods to register your premises:
- Register Online - Our office will process your information and either email or call with your premises identification number usually within one business day. This is a great way to register if you have internet access since you can complete this form on your own time instead of being limited to our business hours.
- Call our office directly at (207) 287-3701 and we will be happy to get you set up.
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Contacts
| Contact Name / Topic Area | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| DACF Animal Health (General Questions) |
(207) 287-3701 | |
| DACF ADT Technician | donna.flint@maine.gov | (207) 557-4623 |
| USDA APHIS District 1 Office | vsma@aphis.usda.gov | (866) 872-2824 |