To achieve the award objectives, wsda will facilitate the use of official identification in livestock by providing official identification devices to accredited veterinarians, producers, livestock…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded a $158,738 Cooperative Agreement to the State of Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care Federal Grant Program (CFDA 10.025). The agreement runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

Through this Cooperative Agreement, WSDA will facilitate the use of official livestock identification in the state by providing identification devices to veterinarians, producers, livestock markets, and other stakeholders. WSDA will also promote the adoption of electronic identification and records management by providing devices, forms, and platforms to these stakeholders at no or low cost. Additionally, WSDA will support electronic animal disease traceability systems at livestock markets, participate in national trace exercises, and conduct compliance audits to improve regulatory compliance. The goal is to increase the use of official livestock identification and electronic identification and records management in the state, leading to improved animal disease traceability capabilities.

To achieve the award objectives, wsda will facilitate the use of official identification in livestock by providing official identification devices to accredited veterinarians, producers, livestock markets, and other stakeholders. Promote the adoption of electronic official identification and records management by providing electronic identification devices (EID), electronic forms, and electronic record management platforms at no or low cost to livestock producers, accredited veterinarians, livestock markets and other livestock industry stakeholders. Continue to support electronic ADT management systems at livestock markets. Maintain EID record messaging (tag retirement) to ADT systems from participating slaughter facilities. Provide support and resources to livestock producers, accredited veterinarians, livestock markets and other livestock industry stake holders related to ADT program requirements. Demonstrate animal traceability capabilities by participating in national priority trace exercises and address any areas of concern identified during the exercises. Share information according to ADT program standards. Improve ADT regulatory compliance by conducting compliance audits and activities to identify potential non-compliance issues and facilitate appropriate enforcement actions. Deliverables and expected outcomes: at the end of the award period animal disease traceability, wsda expects increased use of official identification for livestock in the state of washington. Improved understanding among producers, veterinarians, and industry regarding ADT regulation and resources including the benefits of EID and electronic record management. Expanded use of electronic identification among producers and livestock concentration facilities and easier ID/record management for veterinarians and producers. Demonstrated capability to conduct timely and efficient animal disease traces for animals moving interstate to or from washington. Consistent identification and correction of potential ADT compliance issues ultimately leading to increased compliance with ADT regulation. Results will be documented in quarterly reports to the program manager. Intended beneficiary: this award will benefit producers, accredited veterinarians, livestock markets and other livestock industry stakeholders in the state of washington as well as other stakeholders involved in movement of livestock to or from the state of washington. In addition, USDA, wsda, and other state animal health agencies will benefit from enhanced efficiency and speed of trace activities and information sharing. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: not applicable